Argentina Thwarts Terror Plot Against Jews

Argentina's Federal Police have successfully dismantled an alleged Islamic terrorist cell believed to be planning attacks against the Jewish community in Mendoza. The operation was initiated after a local Jewish journalist reported threats from the group to the Delegation of Israelite Associations of Argentina (DAIA), prompting an investigation by authorities. Following a series of raids, police arrested several individuals and seized a significant cache of weapons, including firearms and bladed weapons, along with electronic devices and Salafi literature. The police operation resulted in arrests at key locations, including the Cristo Redentor Border Crossing and Ezeiza International Airport, indicating that some suspects were attempting to flee the country. The raids were part of a broader effort to combat terrorism in Argentina, which has a history of attacks against its Jewish community. In April, authorities had already apprehended a 16-year-old suspected of accessing ISIS-related materials to learn about explosives manufacturing, raising concerns about potential lone-wolf attacks. Argentina is home to the largest Jewish population in South America, estimated at around 200,000. The country has experienced significant terrorist attacks in the past, including the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy and the 1994 AMIA bombing, which resulted in numerous casualties. In a recent ruling, Argentina's Federal Criminal Cassation Court formally held Iran and Hezbollah accountable for these historical attacks, underscoring the ongoing threat to the Jewish community.