US Sanctions Seven Iran-Backed Iraqi Militia Commanders Over Attacks on American Forces

Peregraf — The US Department of the Treasury on Friday imposed sanctions on seven Iraqi militia commanders accused of planning, directing, and executing attacks against American personnel, facilities, and interests in Iraq, in a move Washington says targets Iran-backed armed groups operating in the country.

In a statement, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said the individuals are senior figures in groups including Kata’ib Hezbollah, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, Harakat al-Nujaba, and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, describing them as “some of Iraq’s most violent Iran-aligned militia organizations.”

The Treasury said these groups operate “with near impunity,” attacking U.S. personnel and civilians, siphoning Iraq’s wealth to finance armed activities, and undermining Iraq’s sovereignty and democratic processes.

The sanctions come after a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran that followed nearly 40 days of war, which began on February 28 after the US and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran.

During the conflict, Tehran and allied militia groups in Iraq carried out thousands of drone and missile attacks against Israel and U.S. interests across the region, including targets in the Kurdistan Region.

According to Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the sanctioned commanders were directly involved in attacks against U.S. personnel and facilities inside Iraq.

Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, said Washington would continue responding to such threats.

“We will not allow Iraq’s terrorist militias, backed by Iran, to threaten American lives or interests,” Bessent said. “Those who enable these militias’ violence will be held accountable.”

Among those sanctioned were three commanders linked to Kata’ib Hezbollah: Ammar Jasim Kadhim al-Rammahi, Radhwan Yousif Hameed Almohammed, and Hasan Dheyab Hamzah, all accused of directing operations and threats against U.S. forces.

The Treasury also designated Safaa Adnan Jabbar Suwaed of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, identified as a senior commander and chief of operations in Salahaddin province.

Also sanctioned were Khalid Jameel Abed Albakhatra and Saeed Kadhim Mukhamis of Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, along with Husham Hashim Jaythoom, a military trainer for Harakat al-Nujaba.

The statement noted that Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq had used Iranian drones to target U.S. and coalition forces in northern Iraq as recently as March 2026.

It also said several of the militias have openly pledged loyalty to Iran and received Iranian funding, weapons, and military training. 

Under the sanctions, all property and financial interests of the designated individuals under U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and American citizens are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them. 

OFAC also warned that foreign financial institutions facilitating major transactions for those sanctioned could face secondary sanctions.

“The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior,” the statement added.