Iraqi militant leader ‘directed and urged’ attacks on Americans and Jews over Iran war, feds say

Original Title: Iraqi militant leader ‘directed and urged’ attacks on Americans and Jews over Iran war, feds say

Iraqi militant leader directed and urged – Federal prosecutors have indicted Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a prominent figure in Iraqi militant circles, for orchestrating and planning a series of terrorist assaults across Europe. These attacks, which targeted American and Jewish interests, were allegedly carried out in pursuit of ending the conflict in Iran, as detailed in a federal criminal complaint. The charges against al-Saadi include conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and coordination of at least 18 attacks, according to the complaint. Additionally, he is accused of organizing two more incidents in Canada and attempting to execute targeted strikes in the United States, including an assault on a Jewish community center in New York City.

Al-Saadi’s Alleged Role and Groups Involved

Law enforcement officials claim that al-Saadi held a senior position within Kata’ib Hezbollah, an Iraqi group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the US government. This group is also closely affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), another designated terrorist entity. The complaint states that al-Saadi has been actively associated with these organizations since 2017. His alleged actions are said to have been motivated by a desire to retaliate against the ongoing war in Iran, with the aim of advancing the strategic objectives of both Kata’ib Hezbollah and the IRGC.

“On the one hand – should be very alarming to the people in this country that there are men around the world trying to exact this sort of terror. On the other hand, it shows the success of good law enforcement work and good police work, and working hard to protect our borders, which is what we do every single day,” acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche stated to Fox News.

The indictment highlights al-Saadi’s efforts to orchestrate attacks against prominent Jewish synagogues in the US, including plans for a bombing in New York City. He was also targeting Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona, according to the complaint. These operations were conducted under the guise of a pseudonym, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), which authorities believe was used to obscure the group’s ties to Kata’ib Hezbollah and the IRGC.

Flight records reveal that a Justice Department aircraft, frequently utilized for global extraditions, traveled to Turkey this week before returning through Morocco. The plane landed in the New York City area late Thursday, indicating al-Saadi’s capture may have occurred in Turkey. His attorney, Andrew J. Dalack, confirmed that al-Saadi was detained there, likely at the request of US authorities, and transferred to the United States without the chance to challenge his arrest or the legal basis for his transfer.

“Our position states that he’s a political prisoner and a prisoner of war,” Dalack said following the court appearance. “He’s being punished for a perceived alleged connection with the late Qasem Soleimani.”

Al-Saadi’s alleged ties to Soleimani, the Iranian commander killed in January 2020 by a US drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump, have fueled claims of political motivation. The complaint suggests he was attempting to link his actions to the broader conflict involving Iran, potentially as a means to justify attacks against American and Jewish targets. His attorney emphasized that al-Saadi’s arrest is not solely about his involvement in terrorism but also reflects his role in a geopolitical struggle.

During the planning of the New York City synagogue attack, al-Saadi communicated with an undercover agent, believing he was speaking to a member of a Mexican cartel. The complaint details that he agreed to pay $10,000 for the operation but insisted it be recorded. Despite his efforts, the attack did not materialize, prompting him to send the agent a text the following day questioning the delay. This sequence of events underscores the covert nature of his planning and the role of intelligence agencies in uncovering his schemes.

Context of the Arrest and Broader Implications

CNN was the first to report the connection between Kata’ib Hezbollah and HAYI, which claimed responsibility for a series of arson attacks on Jewish sites across Europe. These attacks, including synagogues, schools, and ambulances, were attributed to the group, which is said to operate under the name HAYI to maintain secrecy. A source close to Kata’ib Hezbollah revealed earlier this month that some HAYI members are Iraqi and that the two groups are interconnected, further complicating the international terrorist network.

Al-Saadi’s indictment also highlights his relationships with other leaders within the US-designated foreign terrorist organizations. Prosecutors named Esmail Qaani, the successor to Soleimani as commander of the IRGC-QF, and Akram ‘Abbas al-Kabi, the secretary general of Harakat al-Nujaba, a militia supported by Iran. These links suggest a coordinated effort among various militant groups to exert pressure on Western interests, particularly in the context of the Iran war.

Al-Saadi’s arrest follows a pattern of US efforts to dismantle Iran-aligned militant networks. His case is seen as a significant step in the ongoing campaign against groups that threaten American and Jewish communities. However, his attorney argues that the charges are politically motivated, given his association with Soleimani and the broader Iranian influence in the region. The case has sparked debate over the balance between national security and the rights of individuals accused of terrorism.

The Southern District of New York court appearance marked the beginning of al-Saadi’s legal proceedings. He was ordered to be held without bail, and he did not plead guilty or not guilty during the session. This decision reflects the gravity of the charges and the belief that he poses a continued threat. As the case progresses, it will likely shed more light on the complex alliances and operations of terrorist groups operating in the Middle East and beyond.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact circumstances of al-Saadi’s capture, though the use of a Justice Department aircraft for extradition implies a strategic transfer. The process highlights the international cooperation required to combat terrorism, as well as the logistical challenges involved in apprehending high-profile figures. With his indictment, al-Saadi joins a list of militants targeted for their role in instigating attacks that span continents and communities.