The growing presence of Iran in South America....

World to Obama: This is right in your backyard...

The world needs to act to counter the growing presence of Iranian-supported terrorist organizations throughout South America, former chief of staff of the Peruvian Armed Forces, Gen. Francisco Contreras, told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday.

Contreras served as the head of the Peruvian Military until about half a year ago, when he retired after 42 years of service. He was in Israel this week on a private visit.

“We definitely need to be concerned with the growing presence of Iran in South America,” Contreras said. “It appears that Iranian organizations provide support to other terrorist organizations, and that there is cooperation between them.”

Hezbollah is known to maintain strongholds in South America – particularly in the area connecting Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay – where its supporters are actively involved in drug-smuggling, arms-trafficking, money-laundering, fraud and intellectual-property piracy.

Israel and the Untied States are also increasingly concerned with the alliance Venezuela has forged with Iran.

According to Contreras, countries like Israel and Peru need to increase cooperation to combat the growing terrorist threat.

“There is something strange in the relationship [Venezuelan President Hugo] Chavez has forged with Iran, as is the presence of the Iranian defense minister in Bolivia on a recent visit,” he said.