US watching for Iran-backed activities in South America, general says after Hamas attack

The United States is monitoring any potential Iran-backed activities in South America following the brutal massacre of 1,200 Israelis, including at least 25 U.S. citizens, perpetrated by Hamas terrorists backed by Iran, according to a U.S. general.

SOUTHCOM Com. Gen. Laura Richardson's comments came Wednesday in response to a question about potential Iranian activities in the Western hemisphere at a discussion titled "Latin America's China Challenge" hosted by the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a research group.

"We’re watching very, very closely. In terms of working with our partner nations, obviously, they’re concerned too," Richardson said.

"In terms of indicators and things like that right now as a result, immediate results of the attacks that have taken place, I think we’ve seen the condemnations that have come from the region regarding the attacks. We will continue to be very poised and watching the environment very, very closely," she also said. 

However, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla militant, has made numerous statements supporting Palestine and opposing Israel since the attacks over the weekend.

The FBI on Monday said that it "does not have specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States stemming from the Hamas attacks in Israel" but it is "closely monitoring unfolding events and will share relevant information."

However, the agency has not updated its threat assessment following the announcement from Hamas leaders declaring Friday as a day of jihad for all Muslims and their allies globally to fight against Jews and Israel.

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