The Lebanese banking institution Al-Qard al-Hasan, which is closely linked to Hezbollah, was recently targeted in a series of raids across Beirut and other regions in Lebanon. Al-Qard al-Hasan serves as a financial arm for Hezbollah, but also provides financial services to the Lebanese people as an alternative banking option.
The raids on Al-Qard al-Hasan branches were part of a larger crackdown on Hezbollah’s financial networks and illicit activities. The Lebanese government, under pressure from international powers, has been working to dismantle Hezbollah’s financial infrastructure, which is believed to fund the group’s activities both within Lebanon and abroad.
Hezbollah, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries including the United States, has long relied on a network of financial institutions, like Al-Qard al-Hasan, to fund its operations. The organization uses a combination of legitimate businesses and illicit activities to raise funds, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and extortion.
The raids on Al-Qard al-Hasan are seen as a significant blow to Hezbollah’s financial operations in Lebanon. The government has said that the institution was operating outside of Lebanese banking regulations and was involved in illegal activities. However, Hezbollah has denied these allegations and maintains that Al-Qard al-Hasan is a legitimate financial institution that provides much-needed services to the Lebanese people.
The raids on Al-Qard al-Hasan highlight the ongoing struggle between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah over the group’s influence and power within the country. As the government continues to crack down on Hezbollah’s financial networks, it remains to be seen how this will impact the group’s operations and its ability to fund its activities in Lebanon and beyond.
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