Iraqi Militia Commander Charged in Multi-Continental Terror Plot Targeting Jewish Sites and U.S. Interests

On May 15, 2026 the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed a criminal complaint charging Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national, with six terrorism counts, including conspiracy to provide material support to Kataib Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), to support acts of terrorism, and to bomb a public place. He was ordered held without bail in a Manhattan federal facility.

The National NewsAl MonitorCNNIran-backed militia commander charged with plotting attacks on Jewish sites in U.S.Latin TimesBloombergAl MonitorReutersWION

Al-Saadi is alleged senior commander of Kataib Hezbollah, a designated foreign terrorist organization in Iraq aligned with the IRGC. Prosecutors say he used the alias Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI) to plan attacks “in retaliation for the United States and Israel’s war against Iran.” He had ties to the late Qasem Soleimani.

CNNAl MonitorThe National NewsAl MonitorWIONBloombergIran-backed militia commander charged with plotting attacks on Jewish sites in U.S.

From March 9 to April 29, 2026 al-Saadi’s network carried out synagogue attacks in Liège and Rotterdam, placed explosives at an Amsterdam Jewish school, bombed a Bank of New York Mellon branch in Amsterdam, set fire to London Jewish charities, and stabbed two Jewish men in London. A planned bomb in Paris was foiled, and a New York synagogue plot targeting Los Angeles and Scottsdale Jewish centers was aborted after an undercover operation.

CNN

Prosecutors say the campaign involved at least 18 attacks in Europe, two in Canada, and multiple planned U.S. attacks, using explosives, arson, firearms, and cryptocurrency payments of $3,000 down-payment and a promised $10,000 for U.S. operations.

BBC News

U.S. officials said the case shows “the whole of the federal government” is committed to dismantling terrorist networks. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche called the arrest a law-enforcement success; U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton called al-Saadi a “high-value target” and said the prosecution underscores the nation’s resolve.

Latin Times

Attorney Andrew Dalack argues al-Saadi is a “political prisoner” and “prisoner of war,” alleging unlawful rendition from Turkey and solitary confinement that is “cruel and unnecessary.” He says the charges stem from al-Saadi’s alleged link to Qasem Soleimani.

Iran-backed militia commander charged with plotting attacks on Jewish sites in U.S.

Sources differ on the arrest site—some say Turkey, others an unspecified foreign country. The number of attacks is reported as “at least 18,” “nearly 20,” or “20.” Payment amounts are described as a $10,000 promise and a $3,000 advance.

Latin Times

• “high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism.” — Kash Patel, FBI Director

Al Monitor

• “As alleged in the complaint, Al-Saadi directed and urged others to attack US and Israeli interests and to kill Americans and Jews in the US and abroad, and in doing so advance the terrorist goals of Kata'ib Hizballah and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” — Todd Blanche, Acting US Attorney General

BBC News

• “We're primarily concerned at the moment with the conditions of his confinement, as we understand he's being held in solitary confinement, which we think is both cruel and unnecessary,” — Andrew Dalack, defense attorney

Reuters

• “In a righteous and just contrast, his prosecution will highlight the best of our country. Those who engage in or support terrorism against Americans and on U.S. soil should take note: the whole of the federal government is committed to dismantling terrorist organizations.” — Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney

Bloomberg

Al-Saadi remains detained without bail; a conviction could carry a life sentence. The case may set precedents for U.S. handling of foreign-militant renditions and for prosecuting transnational terrorism linked to Iran-backed militias.

Reuters