European Police Dismantle Hezbollah Drone Supply Network

Authorities in Spain and Germany have arrested four individuals suspected of supplying drone parts to Hezbollah. The network is believed to have assisted in building drones used against Israel. Multiple operations involving Spanish companies flagged suspicious purchases used to manufacture drones carrying explosive charges.

Authorities in Spain and Germany have arrested four individuals on suspicion of belonging to a network supplying drone parts to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, officials announced Thursday.

The investigation originated in Spain when the Guardia Civil identified "suspicious operations" by Spanish companies run by Lebanese nationals, involving significant quantities of drone-manufacturing materials and components.

Investigators believe Hezbollah used these parts to construct drones further utilized in attacks on Northern Israel. The Spanish companies, along with others in Europe and globally, acquired essential items such as electronic guidance components, propulsion propellers, gasoline engines, over 200 electric motors, and materials for drone fuselages and wings.

The network, now dismantled, supplied parts identified in drones deployed by Hezbollah militants during the Gaza war following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

Since the escalation, Israeli air strikes in Lebanon have resulted in over 450 deaths, predominantly Hezbollah fighters, alongside over 80 civilians. On the Israeli front, there have been 21 soldier fatalities and 13 civilian deaths.

(With inputs from agencies.)