Recently it has been learned that Fadi Darwish (devout Salafist jihadist) who lives in Minsk has close ties to illegal arms shipments to terrorist groups in Lebanon and elsewhere. Born in Lebanon, he saw his family moved out of their comfort by Fatah Palestinians. His bitterness against them led to his involvement with Asbat al-Ansar (League of the Followers). In 1995, Darwish moved here to purchase small arms and bomb making equipment and secretly transfer them to groups and cells affiliated with al Qaeda. His hatred of Fatah, Israel and its arch enemy Iran is well known. Before moving to Minsk, Darwish lived in the UAE and reportedly trained in Afghanistan. As a front Darwish lists himself as a restaurant and exporter. His involvement in money laundering and arms smuggling has expanded to Syria, Latvia, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, Malaysia and North Africa.

2002



Vladimir Salakov