Washington: An Iraqi national accused of helping an Iran‑backed militia carry out attacks on US and Israeli targets in Europe and the United States has been arrested overseas and brought to the United States to face terrorism charges, the US. Justice Department said on Friday, Reuters reported.
Prosecutors identified the suspect as Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al‑Saadi and said he has been charged with six terrorism-related counts, including providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Prosecutors say Al‑Saadi was a senior member of the Iran‑backed militia Kata’ib Hezbollah.
US Attorney Jay Clayton said prosecutors accuse Al‑Saadi of coordinating or supporting nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks across Europe and the United States, “including his efforts to kill on US soil.”
The US government and independent experts say Kata’ib Hezbollah operates at the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The charges come as US officials increase scrutiny of Iran‑backed militias they accuse of targeting American personnel and allies amid the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.
Taken Into US Custody Overseas
US officials said Al‑Saadi was taken into American custody overseas and transported to the United States, where he appeared before a magistrate judge and was ordered detained pending trial. ABC News reported he was detained in Turkey and handed over to the Americans.
Court documents cited by officials describe incidents linked to Al‑Saadi and his associates that included bombings, arson and assaults targeting American interests abroad. Prosecutors also allege he discussed possible attacks inside the United States, naming potential targets in New York, California and Arizona.
Defense Raises Detention Concerns
Defense attorney Andre Dalack declined to address the “substance of the charges,” saying it was too early to discuss details of the case. But he cautioned against a “rush to judgment” and raised concerns about Al‑Saadi’s detainment.
“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,” Dalack told Reuters.
Prosecutors say Al‑Saadi helped plan and carry out attacks on US and Israeli targets, including plots aimed at killing Americans and Jewish civilians, as part of a wider campaign by Iran‑backed militants. The Justice Department filed charges as tensions rise and probes into Iran‑linked militia activity continue.
