FBI Monitoring Hezbollah Sleeper Cells in the U.S.

CBS recently shared a report on the FBI’s increased focus on Hezbollah sleeper cells operating in the United States. Honestly, the timing of this report seemed a bit, well, calculated.

Kyle Sidderer, a senior analyst at the Center for Security Policy, has insights into these sleeper cells and offers some theories about why the FBI feels the need to alert the public.

“It’s important to understand the nuanced language around sleeper cells,” Sidderer mentioned during an interview. “When we talk about sleepers, are we referring to terrorists who blend seamlessly into American society, remaining unnoticed?”

“That’s not typically how it functions. I’m not saying it can’t occur, but usually, these cells are quite active. They engage in propaganda efforts and fundraising initiatives,” he added.

According to Sidderer, these sleeper cells are known to purchase U.S. military equipment, like night vision goggles, and often attempt to ship such items abroad.

During the discussion, Chief Matthew Peterson raised an interesting question: “Do you view the CBS report as a genuine scoop, or is it possibly a strategic leak designed to achieve a larger objective?”

“My instinct says it leans more towards a strategic leak,” Sidderer responded. “It’s crucial for someone within the FBI or DOJ to demonstrate that proactive measures are being taken.”

He also mentioned that the timing might serve to reintroduce the narrative: “If Donald Trump were to act, we could very well be targeted here at home.”

Sidderer acknowledges that while many Hezbollah cells deal primarily in fundraising and propaganda, there remains a legitimate cause for concern. “The range of potential actions they could consider is vast. It could range from sizable vehicle IEDs to smaller armed assaults, even suicide bombings—basically, a mix of everything in between,” he cautioned.