The Perfect Soldier: Special Operations, Commandos, and the Future of Us Warfare by James F. Dunnigan
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Dirty Little Secrets
Al Qaeda in Latin America
by James Dunnigan
June 8, 2005
Discussion Board on this DLS topic
The presence of Islamic radicals in some parts of Latin America is well
known. With its vast wildernesses and weak governments, Latin America has been
used for safe houses, transit routes for personnel, and even training bases. The
focus of these activities has been on moving and training Islamic terrorists.
Recently, however, a potentially disturbing trend has begun to develop, as
intelligence suggests that the Islamic radicals are establishing ties with
domestic radical and criminal groups in several countries.
Haiti -
members of an Islamic group known to have ties with al Qaeda have apparently
been providing training in weapons and explosives use to one of the pro-Aristide
gangs, while also attempting to convert gang members to Islam.
Dominican
Republic - two local radical groups seem to have been in contact with Islamic
radicals, seeking financial and technical assistance.
Nicaragua – Al
Qaeda, which is believed to have moved important operatives through the country
from time to time, may be trying to reach out to dissatisfied fringe elements
with the intention of helping them undertake terrorist attacks against the
government.
Three Frontiers Region-- Hizbollah, and perhaps other Islamic
groups, have been able to operate rather freely in the porous borderlands where
Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay come together, taking advantage of rampant
corruption, to establish training camps, safe houses, and logistical bases.
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