Arab Terrorists in Paraguay

     Back in 2014 I wrote a series of blogs on Paraguay which described just about everything from Nazi fugitives, Chinese Triads, narcotics traffickers, and alleged Arab terrorists.  Last month I did a blog on an unusual incident involving the purchase of a blue plastic dish and a man named Carlos Wildeburger.  In the previous blogs (2014) I mentioned my reporting on alleged Arab terrorists who appeared at the embassy in Asuncion and tried to secure visas for the U.S.  However, my exposure to information about alleged Arab terrorists was much more extensive than just that contact with visa applicants.
     As I have previously blogged, during my tour of duty in Paraguay from 1986 to 1988, I was mostly involved with reporting on Chinese Triads and drug traffickers.  The reason the triad members and drug traffickers were such a concern to the embassy was because they were the primary illegal entrants into the U.S., either with a U.S. visa falsely obtained, or crossing the U.S. border illegally overland through Mexico.  Paraguay in the 1980s was known as the "trampoline" for illegal entry into the U.S.!  In short, despite its long distance from the U.S. border, it was a perfect staging area for those planning to enter the U.S. illegally.  The government of Paraguay had traditionally, since the days of Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid, allowed just about anyone to enter its borders as long as they were willing to pay!  Additionally, those without documentation could easily purchase Paraguayan (legal) passports because you could purchase Paraguayan citizenship! 
     The infamous Josef Mengele purchased Paraguayan citizenship, as had many other Nazis and other fugitives.  In other words, these passports were not illegal, since they were legally obtained.  This was a big headache for the embassy's visa unit because there was a constant flow of Chinese, Koreans, Arabs, and Eastern Europeans who showed up with Paraguayan passports to apply for visas!  With the Chinese the big concern was the Chinese criminal gangs, the triads, while the Koreans were a problem because of North Korean agents.  The Arabs and Eastern Europeans were also suspect of various illegal activities, mostly terrorism.  So, in digging into the background of these various groups in Paraguay, I came across some very interesting information.
     I had already blogged on the Chinese triads, but I really did not cover the Arab terrorists all that much before.  There were primarily two groups of Arab "terrorists" in Paraguay in the 1980s.  There were Libyans, those sent there by Khaddafi to set up a "training" camp.  Then there was a large camp that was set up by Lebanese Arabs, also a terrorist sponsored operation.  The Lebanese have had a long history in Paraguay and other South American countries.  There had been a heavy influx of Lebanese Muslim immigrants to South America before and post World War Two.  Paraguay received a large number in 1947-48.  Now these were peaceful Arabs who only wanted a better life and became a solid, influential part of the South American society.  So, when terror groups decided to set up facilities abroad, they chose Paraguay for a good reason.  First, there was already a "pipeline" of sorts to that country from Lebanon.  Second, the government was willing to accept anyone without question as long as "fees" were paid.  Third,  there was plenty of inexpensive real estate, large chunks of land where these "training" centers could be set up.
     So, Paraguay had (and still has) all the necessary ingredients for various groups to set up facilities in hinterlands where they would not be bothered.  Thus the place became very popular for drug traffickers going back to the 1970s.  Remember the infamous "French Connection?"  Paraguay was the staging area for drug shipments!  In 1987 I knew of two Arab facilities or settlements that were very secretive and located away from population centers.  One was supposedly set up by Libyans and it was located southeast of Asuncion.  Another, a larger "settlement" or facility was located near the town of Ciudad del Este in the tri-country region (Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay).  This Arab settlement even had a large mosque visible from a distance.  Most of the settlement was open to public so to speak, but there was a portion further away from the population center that was fenced and heavily guarded.  That was a terrorist training camp!  That whole area was Lebanese Shia Muslim.  The Hezbollah of Lebanon was founded in 1985 and was still relatively unknown at the time.  They believed even then that it was important to set up locations, training camps, where their followers could move to, away from prying eyes and persecution from their enemies.
     Back then I had even obtained photographic proof of armed activity in those camps.  There was no doubt whatsoever as to what they were up to.  Only the most naïve person would think that perhaps they were just running a facility for paint ball games!  All of this was duly reported to Washington and whatever evidence or proof was submitted as well.  Therefore, it was not surprising to me to hear in the news back in 2008-9 about concerns raised in Washington over the growing activities of these terror camps, especially the one in Ciudad del Este.  I thought, it was about time that more attention was paid to what was going on in Paraguay.  Many who raised their concerns were especially worried about our border with Mexico, where illegals cross daily!  However, everything seemed to die down, especially after an article appeared in Al Jazeera by Belen Fernandez, ridiculing the whole idea of terror camps in Paraguay.  For those who are unfamiliar, Belen Fernandez, although an excellent reporter and writer, nevertheless has her agenda, which is very much pro Arab!  She had built her reputation on tearing down some of the pro - Israeli reporting, especially concerning the settlers.  She also stated in one of her articles that Hezbollah - "never started raining (firing missiles) anything on Israel without provocation."
     According to Fernandez's article which appeared in May of 2013, she made a trip to Paraguay and toured the alleged terror camp and interviewed Paraguayan authorities as well as the Imam of the mosque in Ciudad del Este.  The Paraguayan authorities claimed that under pressure from U.S. government, they had conducted a special "raid" with their special operations unit and found nothing incriminating.  I found that explanation laughable.  I doubt very seriously if any such "raid" was conducted.  As for the credibility and ability of the Paraguayan Special Operations unit....well, that's another story.  I have seen them up close and personal and I would, at best, rate them as a mediocre military unit and truly question their ability! 
     Fernandez also interviewed the Imam at great length who went on to tell her that he was "insulted" that the U.S. government accused his settlement and his people of being involved in terror activity.  Fernandez pointed out that the Imam was a holy person and surely would not lie and be involved in terror activity.  By the way, the Supreme leader of Iran is an Imam, so was Ayatollah Khomeini! I guess she forgot about that.  Fernandez concluded her article by pointing out that Paraguay was far away from the Mexican border.  She argued that it was impractical for terror groups such as Hezbollah set up so far away if they wanted to use the porous border to cross, as some in U.S. feared.  Although she has a reputation for being a good journalist, she apparently did not do her homework and learn about the history of Paraguay and how it had been and has been used by various groups for illegal entry into the U.S.
     I am puzzled and disappointed by what appears to be a total lack of interest in what is going on in Paraguay.  This administration has a deserved reputation for inaction and "dropping the ball" on several occasions.  I hope this doesn't become one of those "dropped balls."  The reports that surfaced in 2008-2009 not only mentioned Hezbollah, but Al Qaida as well!  But then, that makes sense, since there are more terror groups today than there were back in the 1980s.