The United States has announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the capture of an Iraqi armed group leader accused of orchestrating attacks against civilians and U.S. interests.
The offer, disclosed on Thursday by the United States Department of State, targets Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai, the leader of the Tehran-backed militant group Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS).
In a statement shared via social media, U.S. officials accused the group of carrying out violent operations across the region.
The group has “killed Iraqi civilians and attacked U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq, as well as attacking U.S. military bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria,” the statement said.
Authorities added that individuals who provide credible information could be eligible for relocation alongside the financial reward.
Political and security context
Al-Saraji is reportedly affiliated with Iraq’s ruling Shiite coalition, known as the Coordination Framework, which holds a parliamentary majority.
Iran-backed armed groups have repeatedly targeted U.S. assets in Iraq, including the embassy in Baghdad, logistics facilities at the city’s airport, and oil infrastructure operated by foreign firms.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the escalation of hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Iraq, which had been gradually stabilising after years of conflict, has again become a focal point in the broader geopolitical struggle.
Broader US crackdown
Earlier this month, Washington issued a similar bounty targeting the leader of Kataeb Hezbollah, following the kidnapping of a U.S. journalist who was later released.
The U.S. government has also increased pressure on Baghdad to curb the activities of pro-Tehran militias, including reported measures such as suspending cash shipments and freezing funding for certain security programmes.
The reward offer underscores growing concerns over the influence of armed non-state actors in Iraq and the risks they pose to both domestic stability and international operations in the region.
Analysts warn that continued escalation could further complicate Iraq’s fragile security environment and strain diplomatic relations.
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