Russian Military Forces along with Hamas and Hezbollah in Nicaragua: Costa Rica Denounces their Presence at the OAS
Pictured below is Manuel Tovar, Costa Rica’s foreign minister at the 56th OAS General Assembly being held in Panama. “Just yesterday (Monday), several individuals belonging to or linked to the Hamas group were arrested by police forces in my country.” the foreign minister denounced. The diplomat’s statements were made at the Organization of American States summit in Panama.
Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar officially denounced the presence of Russian military forces, Hamas, and Hezbollah in Nicaragua during the OAS General Assembly. Highlighting growing regional security threats, Tovar stated that these coordinated presences pose a direct risk to Central American stability.
The Security Situation
- Official Denunciation: At the OAS Assembly, Minister Tovar raised “enorme preocupación” (enormous concern) regarding the escalating activity of both Russian troops and Iranian-backed militant groups inside Nicaragua.
- Recent Arrests: Tovar confirmed that Costa Rican police arrested individuals linked to Hamas operating within the area, intensifying alarms about the reach of these groups.
Russian Military Presence
- Deepening Ties: Russia and Nicaragua have consistently expanded their military cooperation, with the Russian upper house ratifying a comprehensive bilateral military pact.
- Bases and Infrastructure: The Nicaraguan Army base at Cerro Mokorón has increasingly functioned as a hub for Russian activities in the hemisphere, with Moscow actively financing upgrades to Nicaraguan military infrastructure.
- Ortega Decree: Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega maintains active decrees permitting the deployment of Russian troops, aircraft, and naval vessels into the country for “training” and “law enforcement”.
Regional Response
- Costa Rica’s Stance: The Costa Rican government officially designated Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iran-backed proxies as terrorist organizations. Costa Rica continues to urge the international community to monitor these activities as threats to sovereignty and democratic systems.
Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar denounced before the 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) the “persistent and growing presence” of Russian military forces and organizations considered terrorist, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, in Nicaragua. “Mr. President, Costa Rica observes with enormous concern the persistent and growing presence in Nicaragua of Russian military forces and terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah,” he stated.
