Report: Hezbollah using Lebanese firms to develop military drones

The US Treasury Department has confirmed that Hezbollah was using Lebanese companies to develop unmanned aerial vehicles, noting that Stars Group Holding was providing material for the party to manufacture drones, the World Tribune newspaper reported.

"With disturbing reach far beyond Lebanon, Hezbollah's extensive procurement networks exploit the international financial system to enhance its military capabilities in Syria and its terrorist activities worldwide," Treasury Undersecretary David Cohen said.

In a statement issued last week, the Treasury said Stars Group purchased electronics and other technology.

"Items obtained by Hezbollah using the Stars Group Holding network have directly supported the group's military capabilities, including the
development of unmanned aerial vehicles, which have been used most recently to support Hizbollah's military activities in Syria and to conduct surveillance operations in Israel," Treasury said.

Treasury designated the owners of Stars Group, Kamel and Issam Ahmaz. The sanctions banned Americans from engaging with the Ahmaz brothers and their company. Another target for sanctions was identified as the alleged Hezbollah liaison with Stars Group, Hanna Khalifeh, also a Lebanese businessman.