Hezbollah's organization

History

Designated as a terrorist organization by the US government, the Lebanese umbrella organization of radical Islamic Shi'ite groups got financial backing from Iran in the early 1980s and became active in 1982 when Israel invaded Lebanon. It has close links to Iran and Syria and is believed to be responsible for nearly 200 attacks that have killed more than 800 people. In recent years, the group has successfully entered Lebanese politics.

Size

Several thousand militants and activists.

Base

Active in Shi'ite-dominated areas, including parts of Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley. In addition, US intelligence reports say Hezbollah cells operate in Europe, Africa, South America, and North America.

Political arm

In national elections in 2005, the group increased the number of seats it held in the 128-member Parliament to 23. The group also has two ministers in the government, and a third is endorsed by the group.

SOURCES: BBC, Council on Foreign Relations, State Department