American authorities announced Friday the arrest and indictment of a commander of an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia whom they accuse of planning attacks in the United States, Canada, and Europe, specifically targeting Jewish or Israeli sites.
Mohammed Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, identified as a leader of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group, is a “high-value target, responsible for acts of mass terrorism on a global scale,” according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
Designated as a “terrorist group” by Washington, Kataib Hezbollah is part of the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” a pro-Iran group that regularly claims responsibility for drone and rocket attacks on bases hosting American soldiers in Iraq and the Middle East.
The exact role of Mohammed Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi remains unclear, with court documents mentioning propaganda videos shared on social media after various attacks.
In a telephone conversation, Mr. Al-Saadi reportedly admitted to an FBI informant his involvement in European attacks and two attacks in Canada, including a shooting at the U.S. consulate in Toronto on March 10.
Regarding his plans in the United States, the suspect allegedly provided information to an undercover agent about the location of a significant synagogue in New York, as well as two other Jewish institutions in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, instructing him to carry out terrorist attacks. No attack took place.
According to the Justice Department, Mohammed Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi had previously worked closely with Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, leader of the Revolutionary Guards killed by a U.S. airstrike in 2020. He had publicly called for attacks against Americans.
The most serious charge against him is “conspiracy to blow up a public place,” which carries a potential life sentence.
“These indictments show that American law enforcement agencies will use all means to dismantle foreign terrorist organizations and their leaders,” interim Justice Minister Todd Blanche reacted.
(FACT CHECK: The content discusses the arrest and indictment of a commander of an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia accused of planning attacks in the US, Canada, and Europe targeting Jewish sites.)
