Iraqi Militia Commander Charged with Plotting Terror Attacks in US and Europe
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, an Iraqi commander of the Iran-backed Kata’ib Hizballah, has been charged in a Manhattan federal court with conspiring to commit terrorist attacks. Allegedly acting in retaliation for US-Israeli military actions against Iran, he directed at least 18 attacks in Europe and two in Canada, including arson and stabbings. He also plotted to bomb a New York synagogue and other US Jewish sites, attempting to recruit an undercover FBI agent. His arrest highlights significant international security concerns regarding Iranian-linked retaliatory terrorism.
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Feds Thwart Alleged Terror Plot Targeting L.A. Jewish Institution
Federal authorities have arrested Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national, for allegedly plotting terrorist attacks against Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, New York, and Scottsdale, Arizona. The arrest follows an undercover sting operation that disrupted plans to use improvised explosive devices or arson against these sites. Prosecutors allege that Al-Saadi serves as a commander for Kata’ib Hizballah, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization closely aligned with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The criminal complaint states that Al-Saadi directed 18 terrorist attacks in Europe over three months and sought to coordinate similar violence in the United States. In recorded communications with an undercover officer, he discussed hiring individuals to carry out attacks on Jewish temples and centers. He is currently detained in Brooklyn and faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and conspiracy to bomb places of public use. This incident has intensified concerns regarding antisemitic terrorism on U.S. soil, prompting heightened security measures for targeted synagogues.
World & NationCIJA Urges Terror Crackdown in Canada After Arrest of Alleged Iran-Backed Plotter
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is calling for stricter anti-terrorism measures in Canada following the U.S. arrest of Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an alleged senior commander in the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kata’ib Hizballah. Al-Saadi faces six terrorism-related charges in New York for allegedly coordinating attacks against Jewish and American targets in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. The plot included shootings at a U.S. consulate and synagogues in Toronto. CIJA argues that while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is already listed as a terrorist entity in Canada, Kata’ib Hizballah must also be immediately designated as a banned organization. The group emphasizes that current measures are insufficient to counter the growing threat of foreign-backed terrorism, urging a crackdown on recruitment, financing, and radicalization. U.S. authorities describe Al-Saadi as a high-value target who directed retaliatory attacks following U.S.-Israeli military strikes in Iran and attempted to pay an undercover operative to carry out further violence. This case highlights concerns about the operational reach of Iranian proxies within North America.
National PostIraqi Militia Commander Arrested for Alleged Transnational Terror Plot Targeting West
US authorities have arrested Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a senior figure in the Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia, accusing him of orchestrating a widespread terror campaign across Europe and North America. The alleged plot, motivated by revenge for conflicts involving Iran, targeted Jewish communities and American interests. Incidents included explosive attacks on synagogues in Belgium and the Netherlands, arson in Rotterdam, and stabbings in London. Prosecutors allege Saadi also attempted to recruit an undercover operative to bomb Jewish institutions in New York, Los Angeles, and Arizona. Saadi was arrested in Turkey and transferred to the US, where he faces six terrorism-related charges. While the Justice Department heralds the arrest as a major victory against foreign terrorist organizations, defense attorneys argue it is a political prosecution, claiming Saadi should be treated as a prisoner of war and criticizing his detention conditions. This case highlights growing concerns about the expanding operational reach of Iranian-backed networks in Western countries.
https://eutoday.netIranian Proxy Official Allegedly Behind Attacks on US Consulate and Synagogues in Canada
A criminal complaint filed by the US Department of Justice alleges that Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a senior official of the Iranian-backed group Kata’ib Hezbollah, claimed responsibility for shooting attacks in Toronto, Canada. According to the complaint, Al-Saadi told an undercover officer that his associates were behind attacks on the US consulate and local synagogues in March 2026. The consulate shooting on March 10 caused property damage but no injuries. Additionally, three separate shootings targeted Toronto-area synagogues in early March, though an 18-year-old man was separately charged for two of those incidents. Al-Saadi was arrested and extradited on charges related to twenty different attacks and plots across North America and Europe, including a scheme to target three Jewish sites in the United States. The allegations highlight potential Iranian proxy involvement in violence against US and Jewish interests on Canadian soil, raising significant security concerns. While Toronto Police have not confirmed if Iranian links were previously investigated, the DOJ's indictment suggests a broader network of operations attributed to Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI).
JPost.com - The Jerusalem Post - All News from the Middle East, Israel, and the Jewish WorldFears Grow That Iran Is Using Proxy Groups to Target Western Interests Beyond Middle East
A recently unsealed US criminal complaint against Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a high-ranking commander in the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah, has intensified concerns that Iran is expanding its proxy warfare into Western nations. Al-Saadi is accused of planning at least 20 attacks across Europe and Canada, as well as plotting assaults on Jewish institutions and Americans within the United States, including in New York, Los Angeles, and Arizona. The indictment alleges that Kataib Hezbollah used a front group, Harakat Ashab Al-Yamin al-Islamiya, to claim responsibility for incidents such as the firebombing of a synagogue in Belgium and an attack on a Bank of America building in Paris. Al-Saadi was detained in Turkey while traveling to Moscow and subsequently transferred to US custody. Experts suggest this case indicates a significant strategic shift, with Iran’s Axis of Resistance increasingly targeting interests outside traditional Middle Eastern conflict zones. This development follows heightened tensions since the onset of US-Israeli military campaigns against Iran in late February, marking a dangerous escalation in the global reach of Iranian-supported militant activities.
The Straits Times World NewsIran-Backed Militia Commander Charged in Plot to Firebomb US Synagogues
Federal prosecutors have charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a senior commander of the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kata'ib Hezbollah, with plotting terrorist attacks against American Jews. Al-Saadi is accused of directing plans to firebomb a synagogue in New York City and Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona, in retaliation for perceived U.S. actions against Iran. The plot was thwarted after Al-Saadi collaborated with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a cartel member, to whom he provided target maps and paid approximately $3,000 in cryptocurrency toward a $10,000 fee. Authorities also allege Al-Saadi directed previous attacks in Europe, including a bombing in Amsterdam and an attempted attack in Paris. Arrested in Turkey and transferred to U.S. custody, Al-Saadi faces charges including conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations. His defense team argues he is a political prisoner. Experts describe him as a high-level operative with close ties to Iranian military leadership, marking a significant escalation as the militia attempts to bring violence to U.S. soil.
TIMEU.S. Charges Iraqi National for Linking Toronto Consulate Shooting to Iranian-Backed Network
U.S. prosecutors have charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national, with terrorism offenses linked to the March 2026 shooting at the U.S. consulate in Toronto. Al-Saadi, allegedly a senior member of the Iranian-backed militant group Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is accused of directing the consulate attack and a separate incident targeting a synagogue in Canada. According to a newly unsealed criminal complaint, he also coordinated nearly 20 additional attacks across Europe, including incidents in Belgium, France, and the UK. FBI investigators cite recorded calls where Al-Saadi allegedly confirmed his network's involvement in the Canadian attacks and discussed operational logistics. While no injuries were reported in the Toronto shooting, the case has triggered significant national security investigations by the RCMP. In court, Al-Saadi’s defense attorney argued that the charges constitute a political prosecution and claimed his client should be treated as a prisoner of war, questioning the legality of his transfer from Turkey to U.S. custody without formal extradition proceedings.
global news canadaIran-Backed Terror Commander Arrested for Plotting Against Trump and European Attacks
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, an alleged commander within the Iran-backed group Kata’ib Hizballah, has been arrested in Turkey for conspiring to support terrorism and plot attacks against President Donald Trump. According to an indictment filed in the Southern District of New York, al-Saadi operated through a newly formed front group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HIYA), which emerged rapidly after the onset of a US-Israel war in March 2026. Prosecutors allege that HIYA activated cells across Europe, executing 18 attacks including bombings and stabbings targeting Americans and Jews. Al-Saadi reportedly used social media to urge followers to assassinate President Trump and called for jihad following a synagogue bombing in Belgium. His arrest resulted from an sting operation where he attempted to pay a federal agent posing as a cartel member to burn down a New York synagogue. He faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to bomb public places and providing material support to terrorist groups. The case highlights the rapid mobilization of Iranian proxy forces and their direct threats against US political leadership during the specified conflict period.
New York PostIraqi National Smiles in Court Amid Charges for Plotting NYC Synagogue Attack
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national, appeared in Manhattan federal court smiling as prosecutors detailed allegations that he plotted to bomb a New York City synagogue and other Jewish establishments across the United States. Authorities stated that Al-Saadi unknowingly attempted to recruit an undercover FBI officer to carry out the attacks, which were intended to target sites viewed as supportive of Israel. The plot, allegedly backed by Iranian militant groups including Kata’ib Hizbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was disrupted before any violence occurred. Al-Saadi faces multiple terrorism-related charges, including conspiring to provide material support to designated terrorist organizations. Prosecutors revealed that he had discussed coordinated arson attacks on Jewish centers in New York, Los Angeles, and Scottsdale, Arizona, offering cryptocurrency payments for the operation. A criminal complaint included a photo purportedly showing Al-Saadi with the late Qasem Soleimani. After being arrested in Turkey, he was transferred to U.S. custody. Officials emphasized that the threat was monitored and controlled from the outset by the Joint Terrorism Task Force and NYPD, ensuring public safety while active security measures remain in place for potential targets.
The Independent WorldUS Arrests Iraqi Suspect Linked to Iran's Quds Force for European Terror Attacks
US authorities have arrested Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, an alleged Iraqi commander of an Iranian-backed militia, accusing him of orchestrating 18 terrorist attacks across the UK, Europe, and Canada. The charges, detailed in a Manhattan federal court complaint, link al-Saadi to firebombings in France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, an arson attack on a synagogue, a shooting at the US consulate in Toronto, and recent assaults on Jewish targets in London. Although the arrest is significant, analysts note it confirms long-held suspicions that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), particularly its Quds Force, was behind these operations. Al-Saadi allegedly claimed responsibility via the newly formed group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI) on social media. Investigators point to the IRGC's strategy of using proxies and criminal networks to destabilize enemies while maintaining plausible deniability. The suspect, reportedly detained in Turkey, now faces solitary confinement in Brooklyn, marking a major development in understanding the source of recent transnational violence targeting Jewish communities and Western interests.
The GuardianUS Arrests Iraqi Suspect Behind Terror Attacks on Jewish Targets in Europe
The United States has arrested Mohammad Al-S., an Iraqi national and member of the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, on suspicion of coordinating at least 18 terrorist attacks across Europe since late February 2026. The US Department of Justice alleges that Al-S. supported operations targeting Jewish and American interests, including explosions and arson incidents in the Netherlands, such as attacks on a synagogue in Rotterdam, a Jewish school and an American bank in Amsterdam, and the Israel Center in Nijkerk. Additional coordinated attacks included arson at a synagogue in Liège, Belgium, and incidents in London, UK. Evidence cited by authorities includes Telegram messages urging violence against American and Israeli supporters, shared videos of attack preparations, and intercepted telephone conversations where Al-S. discussed leading multiple teams. The group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyyah, linked to Kataib Hezbollah, claimed responsibility for the attacks. While Al-S. is in US custody, investigations continue in the Netherlands, where several other suspects have already been arrested in connection with the local incidents.
Nieuws, achtergronden en onderzoeksjournalistiek - NRCSuspect in Liège Synagogue Attack Arrested in Turkey
American federal authorities have arrested and indicted Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national and alleged commander of the pro-Iranian militia Kataib Hezbollah. He is accused of planning over a dozen terrorist attacks across North America and Europe, including the May 3 explosion at the Liège synagogue in Belgium. Al-Saadi was apprehended in Türkiye and subsequently transferred to the United States, where he appeared in Manhattan federal court facing six terrorism-related charges. Prosecutors allege the attacks were retaliatory measures linked to the conflict involving Iran. The indictment cites his involvement in plotting approximately twenty attacks in Europe and two in Canada since March 9, targeting Jewish, Israeli, and American institutions such as synagogues, schools, and community centers in cities like New York, London, Paris, and Munich. While his lawyer claims the prosecution is political, US authorities describe him as a key figure in a hybrid war campaign. This arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into the recent wave of antisemitic violence in Europe.
Le SoirUS Charges Alleged Iran-Backed Kataib Hezbollah Commander with Global Terror Plots
The United States Department of Justice has arrested and charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national and alleged senior commander of the Iran-backed armed group Kataib Hezbollah. Unsealed court filings in Manhattan accuse al-Saadi of orchestrating at least 18 attacks and attempted attacks across the US, Canada, and Europe. These plots, which included a firebombing in Amsterdam, a shooting in Toronto, and a stabbing in London, were allegedly designed to compel the US and Israel to halt military actions against Iran. FBI Director Kash Patel described al-Saadi as a high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism, praising the joint operation that led to his overseas arrest and transfer to the US. Prosecutors state that al-Saadi has been active since 2017, working closely with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and utilizing social media to coordinate cells, often involving teenage suspects. The case highlights ongoing tensions and proxy conflicts involving Iran, with officials emphasizing the global threat posed by Iranian-backed militias.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraU.S. Charges Iraqi National with Plotting Attacks for Iran-Backed Militia
The U.S. Department of Justice has arrested and charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national and senior member of the Iran-backed militia Kata’ib Hezbollah, with six terrorism-related counts. Prosecutors allege that Al-Saadi directed and encouraged nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks against U.S. and Israeli interests across Europe and the United States. The charges include providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and efforts to kill Americans and Jewish civilians. According to federal complaints, Al-Saadi discussed potential targets in New York, California, and Arizona. He was detained overseas, reportedly in Turkey, and transported to the U.S., where he was ordered detained pending trial. The case highlights heightened U.S. scrutiny of Iranian proxy militias amid ongoing regional tensions. While the defense attorney declined to address the substantive charges, he raised concerns about Al-Saadi’s solitary confinement conditions. The indictment underscores the transnational reach of alleged militant networks tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduIraqi National Charged with Plotting Terror Attacks on Jewish Sites in US and Europe
United States authorities have arrested Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national and senior member of the Iran-backed terrorist group Kata’ib Hizballah. He faces charges for allegedly plotting terror attacks against Jewish sites and American interests across the United States and Europe. According to the US Justice Department, Al-Saadi collaborated closely with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its former commander Qasem Soleimani. He is accused of directing at least 20 past attacks and planning future retaliatory strikes, including bombings and arson, in response to US actions against Iran. Specific targets allegedly included synagogues and communities in New York, California, and Arizona. Al-Saadi was brought to Manhattan federal court and charged with six terrorism-related offenses, such as conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations and conspiracy to bomb public places. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the arrest demonstrates the commitment of US law enforcement to disrupt foreign terrorist networks. The case highlights ongoing tensions involving Iranian proxy groups and threats to Jewish and American communities abroad.
India Today | Latest StoriesUS Accuses Iraqi Man of Aiding Iran-Backed Militia's Attack Plans in US and Europe
The U.S. Justice Department has arrested an Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, and brought him to the United States to face six terrorism-related counts. Prosecutors allege that Al-Saadi, a senior member of the Iran-backed militia Kata’ib Hezbollah, provided material support to a foreign terrorist organization. He is accused of coordinating or supporting nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks against U.S. interests in Europe and the United States, including plots to kill Americans and Jewish civilians. Specific potential targets mentioned include locations in New York, California, and Arizona. The charges arise amid heightened scrutiny of Iranian-backed militias during the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Al-Saadi was reportedly detained in Turkey before being transferred to U.S. custody, where he was ordered detained pending trial. His defense attorney, Andre Dalack, declined to discuss the case's substance but raised concerns about Al-Saadi's solitary confinement conditions, describing them as cruel and unnecessary. The U.S. government asserts that Kata’ib Hezbollah operates under the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Straits Times World NewsIraqi National Arrested in US for Alleged Role in Europe Attacks and Planned US Plots
An Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, has been arrested and transferred to the United States to face federal terrorism charges. The US Department of Justice alleges that al-Saadi is a senior member of Ashab al-Yamin, an Iran-backed group designated as a terrorist organization by Washington. Authorities accuse him of coordinating nearly 20 attacks across Europe and attempting to expand the group's operations to American soil. The FBI intervened after receiving intelligence that al-Saadi was directing individuals to plan attacks within the US, with potential targets including synagogues and other Jewish institutions. Al-Saadi, who has been active with the group since at least March 2026, was brought to New York for trial in a federal court. The charges include directing and supporting planned terrorist activities. While specific operational details remain undisclosed, officials emphasized that the immediate security concerns regarding domestic plots prompted swift action. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to examine the extent of the network's reach and activities.
The Indian ExpressIraqi Militia Commander Charged with Plotting Terror Attacks Against Jews in North America and Europe
U.S. authorities have charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a 32-year-old senior figure in the Iran-backed militia Kataeb Hezbollah, with plotting terrorist attacks against Jewish targets and U.S. interests. According to federal court filings, Al-Saadi allegedly directed and coordinated at least 18 attacks in Europe and two in Canada, including the March 10 shooting at the U.S. consulate in Toronto. The plots were reportedly motivated by retaliation for recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. Specific incidents cited include stabbings in London and arson attacks on synagogues in Amsterdam and Munich. Al-Saadi is also accused of attempting to hire an undercover agent to attack a New York synagogue. FBI Director Kash Patel described him as a high-value target responsible for global terrorism. Al-Saadi was arrested, returned to the United States, and appeared in a Manhattan court facing six counts, including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorist organizations and conspiring to bomb places of public use.
National PostIran-Linked Militia Commander Charged with Plotting Attacks on Jewish Sites
US prosecutors have charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a commander of the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah, with plotting terrorist attacks against Jewish sites and US interests. According to a criminal complaint unsealed in Manhattan, al-Saadi planned at least 20 attacks targeting US and Israeli interests in Europe, Canada, and the United States since late February. The alleged plots included plans to kill Americans and Jews in Los Angeles and Arizona, as well as an attack on a synagogue in New York City. Al-Saadi was recently detained in Turkey and extradited to the US. As a high-ranking figure in Kataib Hezbollah, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by Washington, al-Saadi is closely tied to Iran’s Quds Force. His arrest marks a significant development in US counter-terrorism efforts, representing one of the highest-level arrests of an Iran-linked figure since the onset of recent regional conflicts. Officials view this case as part of a broader retaliatory campaign by Iran, highlighting fears of expanded terrorist activities beyond the Middle East.
The Straits Times World NewsUS Charges Iran-Backed Commander for Global Terror Plot Against Jews and Americans
Federal authorities have charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a senior commander in the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kata’ib Hezbollah, with orchestrating a global retaliation campaign targeting Americans and Jews. The criminal complaint alleges that Al-Saadi coordinated approximately 20 attacks across Europe and Canada, including bombings, arson, and stabbings at Jewish institutions and financial targets. These operations were reportedly launched in response to military conflicts involving Iran in early 2026. Authorities disrupted a specific plot to attack a Manhattan synagogue and Jewish sites in California and Arizona after Al-Saadi attempted to hire what he believed was a Mexican cartel operative, but was actually an undercover agent. He transferred cryptocurrency as a down payment and provided surveillance materials. Al-Saadi was brought to New York through a Foreign Transfer of Custody operation, praised by FBI Director Kash Patel as a significant counterterrorism success. The indictment highlights the use of encrypted communications to incite violence and coordinate international terror activities under the front organization Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya.
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