US Charges Iraqi Militia Figure in Alleged Iran-Linked Attack Plot
Washington-The United States on Friday charged an Iraqi national accused of supporting Iran-backed militia operations with terrorism offenses tied to alleged plots against American and Jewish targets in the United States and Europe, according to the U.S. Justice Department.
Prosecutors identified the defendant as Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, whom they described as a senior member of Kata’ib Hezbollah. U.S. authorities accused him of coordinating or supporting nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks linked to American interests abroad and alleged efforts to conduct killings on U.S. soil.
The Justice Department said Al-Saadi was taken into U.S. custody overseas and transferred to the United States, where he appeared before a magistrate judge in federal court in Manhattan and was ordered detained pending trial. ABC News reported that Turkish authorities detained him in Turkiye before handing him over to U.S. officials.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement that Al-Saadi was involved in efforts targeting Americans and Jewish civilians as part of a broader campaign associated with Iranian-backed militant groups.
The U.S. government and independent analysts have long accused Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of directing and supporting Kata’ib Hezbollah operations across the Middle East and beyond. Washington has designated the militia group as a foreign terrorist organization.
Court filings cited by prosecutors alleged that Al-Saadi and associates were connected to attacks involving bombings, arson and assaults directed at U.S. interests in Europe.
Authorities also accused him of discussing potential attacks inside the United States, including possible targets in New York, California and Arizona.
The charges come amid intensified U.S. scrutiny of Iran-backed armed groups following escalating regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Defense lawyer Andrew Dalack declined to comment on the substance of the allegations, saying the proceedings were at an early stage. He told Reuters the defense was focused on concerns surrounding Al-Saadi’s detention conditions, including alleged solitary confinement.
Judge Sarah Netburn presided over the initial court appearance in Manhattan federal court.
