German cops launch huge raid against pro-Hezbollah group

German police carried out a massive nationwide operation Thursday against the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH), an organization suspected of supporting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

The group is suspected of undermining Germany’s “constitutional order” and of supporting the activities of Hezbollah — which is banned in Germany — according to Germany’s interior ministry.

“The suspicions against the ‘Islamic Center Hamburg’ are serious,” German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said. “It has long been monitored by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and classified as Islamist. Further measures based on the rule of law must be well prepared.”

In the early hours of Thursday, German authorities searched 54 properties across seven federal states, in a mega operation against the IZH and five other associations, which were not named.

“We have the Islamist scene in our sights,” Faeser added. “Especially now, at a time when many Jews feel particularly threatened, we generally do not tolerate Islamist propaganda or antisemitic and anti-Israel incitement.”

The interior ministry said IZH’s activities are “aimed at spreading the revolutionary concept of the Supreme (Iranian) leaders,” and that the center exerts “great influence” on associations that propagate “a clear antisemitic and anti-Israeli attitude.”