Spain, Germany arrest 4 for supplying Hezbollah with parts for explosive drones used to attack Israel

Three people were arrested in Spain and one more in Germany on suspicion of belonging to a network that supplied the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah with parts to build kamikaze drones used in attacks in northern Israel, Spanish authorities say.

The investigation began in Spain when the Guardia Civil detected “suspicious operations” by Spanish companies run by Lebanese nationals involving large quantities of materials and components to manufacture drones capable of carrying explosive charges of several kilograms, the statement says.

Authorities believe Hezbollah may have built several hundred drones with these components.

The Spanish companies, as others in Europe and around the world, purchased items including electronic guidance components, propulsion propellers, gasoline engines, more than 200 electric motors and materials for the fuselage, wings and other drone parts, according to investigators.

The parts acquired by the network, which has now been dismantled, were identified in drones used by Hezbollah in attacks on northern Israel.

Since October 8, Hezbollah-led forces have attacked Israeli communities and military posts along the border on a near-daily basis, with the group saying it is doing so to support Gaza amid the war against Hamas there.

So far, the skirmishes have resulted in 12 civilian deaths on the Israeli side, as well as the deaths of 17 IDF soldiers and reservists. There have also been several attacks from Syria, without any injuries.

Hezbollah has named 367 members who have been killed by Israel during the ongoing skirmishes, mostly in Lebanon but some also in Syria. In Lebanon, another 67 operatives from other terror groups, a Lebanese soldier, and dozens of civilians have been killed.