Argentina: Authorities dismantle a possible Syrian terrorist cell that reportedly planned attacks against Jewish targets

This Wednesday, the Argentine Ministry of Security reported that the Federal Police carried out an operation that resulted in the arrest of three men suspected of planning terrorist attacks in the country.

The possible terrorist cell was neutralized after an investigation that had the support of the National Directorate of Criminal Intelligence (DINIC) and the Airport Security Police (PSA), in addition to the collaboration of other international agencies.

The operation included the monitoring of an international package from Yemen that was destined for the home of three citizens of Syrian and Lebanese origin who entered Argentina separately.

According to the Ministry, one of the suspects carried Venezuelan and Colombian passports in his name. Although no further details have yet been given about the detainees or the suspicious “35-kilo” (~77 lbs.) package that led to the arrest, the Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, revealed that another aspect that alerted the authorities was that the three suspects had reserved rooms in a hotel located less than an eighth of a mile from the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires.

Bullrich highlighted that President Javier Milei had asked the authorities to reinforce security, especially given the recent start of the Pan American Maccabi Games in the Argentine capital. This international sports competition brings together thousands of Jewish athletes. She also mentioned the growing escalation of tensions in the East as a cause for additional concern.

As recently as October 2023, Argentine authorities detained an Iraqi citizen with a false passport in front of the Israeli Embassy, reinforcing the need to maintain constant vigilance amid the growing terrorist threat.

Brazilian police also thwart terrorist attacks

Almost two months ago, the Brazilian Federal Police also announced that it managed to thwart several terrorist attacks after arresting a Hezbollah cell financed by Iran.

The investigation had the support of the Mossad and several security agencies, which resulted in the arrest of two individuals accused of terrorism, in addition to the execution of 11 search and seizure warrants.