Hezbollah drone smuggling investigation (2024–2025)
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Hezbollah drone smuggling investigation (2024–2025) was a counterterrorism operation spanning several European countries where authorities have dismantled a Hezbollah-linked network responsible for smuggling drone components from Europe to Lebanon for use by the group.[1][2][3] The network, active between mid-2024 and early 2025, involved individuals of Lebanese origin operating in Spain, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.[4][2][3]
Investigation and arrests
[edit]The investigation started in Catalonia, Spain, where the Civil Guard identified suspicious purchases of materials associated with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production. These materials included electronic guidance systems, propulsion propellers, gasoline and electric engines, and raw materials for drone bodies and wings. Authorities estimate that the seized components could have been used to assemble hundreds, potentially thousands, of drones capable of carrying several kilograms of explosives.[4][2][3]
On July 14, 2024, coordinated efforts between Spanish and German authorities led to the arrest of four suspects: two in Barcelona, one in nearby Badalona, and another in Salzgitter, Germany. The suspects were accused of acquiring materials that could be converted into weapons targeting civilian and military sites in Israel and Europe.[4] Subsequent arrests occurred in April 2025, with three more suspects detained in Barcelona and additional individuals are in custody in France and the United Kingdom.[4]
Operational scope and implications
[edit]The dismantled network was involved in purchasing and exporting critical drone parts to Hezbollah in Lebanon.[5][4] The components seized matched those found in drones launched by Hezbollah towards Israel, indicating a direct link between the European network and militant activities in the Middle East.[4]
International response
[edit]The successful operation involved collaboration among various European intelligence and law enforcement agencies, including Spain's Civil Guard, Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), France's General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI), and the United Kingdom's counterterrorism units. The coordinated efforts reflect a unified stance against the proliferation of terrorist networks and the illegal trafficking of military-grade components.[4][2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Le Figaro: Network Supplying Hezbollah With Drone Manufacturing Equipment Dismantled". This is Beirut. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
- ^ a b c d "European Hezbollah drone network dismantled, dozens arrested across four countries". Ground News. 2025-04-14. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
- ^ a b c "Spanish, German police detain four suspected of trafficking drone parts to Hezbollah". 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Hezbollah logistics support network dismantled in Europe, according to Le Figaro". L'Orient Today. 2025-04-12. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
- ^ "Spain, Germany Dismantle Network Supplying Drone Parts to Hezbollah in Lebanon". www.defensemirror.com. Retrieved 2025-04-14.