European authorities uncover, dismantle Hezbollah drone smuggling network

Authorities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain have arrested several individuals allegedly connected to the terrorist organization Hezbollah, as part of a sweeping crackdown on a suspected drone smuggling network operating across Europe.

According to a report by the French news outlet Le Figaro, the suspects are accused of acquiring large quantities of drone components intended for use in attacks on both military and civilian targets in Israel and potentially across Europe. The parts seized were reportedly sufficient to assemble hundreds – possibly thousands – of drones capable of carrying explosives.

The arrests mark a significant development in European efforts to disrupt Hezbollah’s logistical operations and prevent terror plots linked to the Iran-backed group. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the smuggling network and any potential plans for attacks within Europe or abroad.

"In the elements purchased by the Hezbollah logistics support network, electronic guidance systems, propulsion propellers, dozens of gasoline engines, more than two hundred electric motors were found. Not to mention several tons of resins and products allowing the manufacture of fuselages, wings, and other parts of drones," Le Figaro stated. "Two people are released and placed under judicial control with a passport withdrawal, prohibited from leaving Spanish territory, and regular summonses before the justice."

The investigation of Hezbollah’s European network reportedly began in mid-2024. A Lebanese national, Fadel Z., was arrested last July in Salzgitter, Germany, according to the German federal prosecutor’s office. The report revealed that Fadel Z. had acquired "components for the construction of military drones, particularly engines" in Germany since the start of 2024. The report assessed that the "final destination" of the purchased goods would be Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Spanish authorities in the Barcelona region arrested the 38-year-old Firas A.H., as "part of a group of individuals of Lebanese origin settled in Spain and Germany, linked by varying degrees to the terrorist organization."

The Le Figaro report further revealed that the network was to "proceed imminently with the shipment by maritime transport to Lebanon of a huge quantity of essential components for building unmanned aircraft, with the resulting risk for collective security and in particular of Israeli citizens."

Hezbollah, Iran's terror proxy in Lebanon, openly calls for Israel’s destruction. The terror group launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, the day after Hamas terrorists infiltrated the Gaza border into southern Israel, brutally killing 1,200 Israelis and kidnapping 251.

For over a year, Hezbollah has launched thousands of rockets and drones targeting primarily northern Israeli communities, resulting in dozens of Israeli deaths and the displacement of approximately 70,000 residents. In response, Israel has carried out extensive military operations, eliminating thousands of Hezbollah operatives, including much of the group’s leadership. In September 2024, the Israeli Air Force killed Hezbollah’s top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, along with several senior commanders, during a strike on a fortified underground headquarters in southern Beirut.

The Israel Defense Forces have since decimated most of Hezbollah’s once vast drone and rocket arsenal. In November 2024, the IDF estimated it had neutralized about 70% of Hezbollah’s prewar drone inventory. The IDF has also targeted key Hezbollah operatives who were connected to the group’s drone units.

In late 2024, a severely weakened Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire with Israel. Hezbollah has in recent months kept a low military profile and even claimed that it is prepared to discuss disarmament. However, the dismantlement of a Hezbollah drone smuggling network in Europe indicates that the Lebanese terror group still seeks to replenish its military capabilities.