MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Pompeo in Buenos Aires at counter-terrorism summit offers US$ 7 million for info on Hezbollah leader

Pompeo, who was joined by several ministers from Latin American nations said “solidarity” between countries is the “antidote” to the threat of terror.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed on Friday in Argentina that the United States has imposed financial sanctions against a Hezbollah militant group leader suspected of directing a deadly bombing in 1994 of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people and injured hundreds.

“They were killed by members of a terrorist group, Hezbollah, and had help that day from Iran,” which provided “logistical support and funding through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” Pompeo said at an event in Argentina marking the 25th anniversary of the attack.

Pompeo announced two actions against Salman Raouf Salman, who he said served as the on-the-ground coordinator for the deadly bombing and “remains a wanted man who continues to plot terrorism on behalf of Hezbollah.”

The State Department's Rewards for Justice program is offering up to US$ 7 million for information leading to his arrest. The U.S. Treasury Department also designated Salman as a specially designated global terrorist, “which denies him access to the United States financial system.”

Pompeo, who was joined by several ministers from Latin American nations on Friday for talks on counterterrorism, said “solidarity” between countries is the “antidote” to the threat of terror.

Argentina's Foreign Minister Jorge Fauri said, “Argentina will not cease in its struggle to ensure that the Iranian citizens” who carried out the 1994 bombing are “brought to justice in Argentina.” 

Earlier, standing at a memorial at the site of the car bombing, Pompeo lit a candle with the Jewish center's President Ariel Eichbaum and said the worst terrorist attack in Argentina is a stark reminder of the danger to the Western Hemisphere from Hezbollah and other Middle East-based extremist groups.

“It was a moving reminder that our discussion today isn't abstract; it's not theoretical. The risk of terrorism is real for each and every one of us, and each and every one of our citizens,” Pompeo said.

On Monday, Argentina's Security Ministry officially designated the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group, which is supported by Iran, as a terrorist organization. The move gives the U.S. another ally in a global coalition to contain Iran's influence in the Middle East and beyond. 

Pompeo's three-day Latin American visit also will take him to Ecuador, Mexico City and San Salvador, where he will seek cooperation on security issues, reinforce U.S. commitment to human rights and democracy, and expand economic opportunities for citizens, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said during a recent Washington press briefing. 

Venezuela is also expected to be an important topic during Pompeo's trip. On Friday, the U.S. State Department announced sanctions against four more officials in the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.