Peoria Standard

Congressman Darin LaHood, Co-Chair of the U.S. Lebanon Friendship Caucus and member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued a statement following the confirmed elimination of Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah by an airstrike on Hezbollah military headquarters in Beirut's southern suburbs.

"The world is a much better place without Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. I commend the effort to eliminate Nasrallah, who has the blood of countless innocent civilians on his hands, and the United States should stand with our allies in the face of terrorist threats."

LaHood emphasized that for years, Nasrallah and Hezbollah have been acting as an Iranian terrorist proxy, causing division in Lebanon and the Middle East. He highlighted their disruption of peace efforts, obstruction of Lebanon's democratic process, prevention of government formation and election of an independent president, and blocking humanitarian assistance since the Beirut port blast.

"For years, Nasrallah and Hezbollah, an Iranian terrorist proxy, have sought to sow divide in Lebanon and the Middle East, disrupting ongoing efforts for peace in the region. In the years since the Beirut port blast, Hezbollah has obstructed the democratic process in Lebanon, prevented the formation of a government and election of an independent president, and blocked humanitarian assistance to the Lebanese people. Hezbollah's proxy bidding for Tehran has decimated the Lebanese economy, propped up corruption, and prevented the people of Lebanon from exercising their right to sovereignty, stability, and democracy."

LaHood expressed concern for Lebanese Americans both in his district and across the country. He attributed Lebanon's death and destruction to Nasrallah, Hezbollah, and their Iranian backers.

"Like many Lebanese Americans both in my district and across the country I share concern for the people of Lebanon and pray for their continued safety. The death and destruction in Lebanon falls squarely on shoulders of Nasrallah ,Hezbollah ,and their backers in Iran .Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon must be extinguished to allow for a prosperous future for Lebanese people .The United States must continue to support Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to keep stability in country ,and efforts quickly open Parliament allow Lebanese elect independent president will support needs Lebanese people."

He reiterated his commitment to working with various stakeholders to support a secure future for Lebanon.

"I stand ready to work with Administration ,my colleagues Congress ,and Lebanese diaspora community America support work secure ,independent peaceful future Lebanese people."

LaHood represents a significant Lebanese American population in Peoria, Illinois. His ancestors immigrated from Aitou, Lebanon. He has visited Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East during official delegations while serving in Congress.