Washington launches crackdown on Iraqi militia leaders on terrorism charges
The arrest of Mohammed Baqir Saad Daoud al-Saadi, a senior commander in Kataeb Hezbollah, and his transfer to Washington for trial over allegations of coordinating or supporting around 20 attacks across various regions in Europe and the United States.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of Mohammed Baqir Saad Daoud al-Saadi, a senior figure in the Iran-backed Iraqi group Kataeb Hezbollah, and his transfer to the United States to stand trial in six terrorism-related cases, in a move reflecting Washington’s determination to intensify pressure on Iran-aligned militias and pursue their members.
Washington accuses al-Saadi of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, said in a statement that the Kataeb Hezbollah leader is accused of coordinating or supporting nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks across Europe and the United States, “including efforts to kill people on U.S. soil.”
The United States and independent experts say Kataeb Hezbollah operates under the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The transfer of al-Saadi to Washington reflects a growing U.S. approach of pursuing members of transnational armed groups, going beyond sanctions or military strikes to use judicial and law-enforcement mechanisms against those accused of planning or inciting attacks on U.S. interests worldwide.
This development comes amid increased U.S. scrutiny of Iran-backed armed groups accused of targeting Americans and U.S. allies across multiple regions, as the ongoing war between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other continues.
U.S. officials said he was arrested abroad and transferred to the United States, where he appeared before a magistrate judge and was ordered to remain in custody pending trial. ABC News reported that he was arrested in Turkey and handed over to U.S. authorities.
Prosecutors say al-Saadi played a role in attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets through direction and support, including attempts to kill Americans and Jewish civilians as part of a broader campaign linked to Iran-backed armed groups.
Defense attorney André Dalak declined to comment on the substance of the allegations, saying it was too early to discuss case details. However, he warned against “rushing to judgment” and expressed concern over al-Saadi’s detention conditions.
Speaking to Reuters, he said: “We are currently primarily concerned about his detention conditions, as we understand he is being held in solitary confinement, which we believe is harsh and unnecessary.”
Court documents cited by officials detail attacks linked to al-Saadi and his associates, including bombings, arson, and assaults targeting U.S. interests abroad. Officials also say he discussed potential attacks inside the United States, including possible targets in New York, California, and Arizona.
