Slovenia designates Hezbollah as terrorist organization

Slovenia has designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.

The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs now considers the Lebanese military and political organization in its entirety a “criminal and terrorist organization posing a global threat to peace and security,” the US State Department said in a Friday press release. The United States praised the Balkan state for making the designation.

Hezbollah has both military and political wings. Its military fights Israel near the Lebanon-Israel border and in Syria with the government against rebel groups. Hezbollah is heavily backed by Iran and an ally of pro-Iran militias in Iraq. Domestically, Hezbollah participates in Lebanese politics and has been a part of coalition governments in the country.

Many European states have traditionally designated only Hezbollah’s military wing as a terrorist organization. However, in the last two years, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and several others have decided to designate all of Hezbollah as a terrorist group. Most recently, Germany made the designation in April. Several Latin American states have done the same in recent years.

The administration of US President Donald Trump made it a priority to pressure countries into labeling all of Hezbollah as a terror group.

Hezbollah is not known to have a presence in Slovenia. However, the group purportedly has operatives throughout the continent. In September, the US government accused Hezbollah of moving explosive materials throughout France, Italy and other states. The designation of Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization makes it dangerous for Hezbollah members and supporters to be in Europe because they can be prosecuted.

Slovenia also notably participates in the United Nations’ peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah and Israel clash from time to time in the area.

Source: Al-monitor