US Arrests Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah Commander Linked to Alleged Terror Attacks in Europe and US
Peregraf — US federal authorities have arrested and charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, an Iraqi militant commander with alleged ties to Iran, accusing him of coordinating and planning at least 18 terrorist attacks across Europe targeting Americans and Jewish sites, according to a federal criminal complaint.
US prosecutors allege al-Saadi "directed and urged others to attack US and Israeli interests" in retaliation for the war in Iran and to "further the terrorist goals" of Kataib Hezbollah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Authorities say al-Saadi was arrested in Turkey before being transferred to the United States.
FBI: Suspect Linked to At Least 20 Attacks
Kash Patel said in a statement posted on X late Friday that FBI personnel had "arrested and returned Mohammad Al-Saadi, another high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism."
Patel said al-Saadi and his associates allegedly "planned, coordinated, and claimed responsibility for at least 20 terrorist attacks across Europe and in Canada" and were believed to be planning attacks inside the United States targeting Jewish institutions in New York, California, and Arizona.
He described the operation as a "righteous mission" carried out by FBI agents, investigators, tactical units, and interagency partners, while also thanking international allies involved in the operation.
Alleged Attacks Across Europe and North America
According to prosecutors, al-Saadi coordinated attacks and plots in multiple countries.
The complaint alleges attacks in March 2020 included:
- An explosives attack on a synagogue in Liège, Belgium on March 9
- An arson attack on a synagogue in Rotterdam on March 13
- An explosives attack on a Jewish school in Amsterdam on March 14
- An explosives attack on the Bank of New York Mellon in Amsterdam on March 15
- Arson attacks targeting Jewish organizations in London in April
- A stabbing attack that seriously wounded two Jewish men in London on April 29
Prosecutors also allege al-Saadi coordinated two additional attacks in Canada and attempted to organize attacks inside the United States.
Alleged New York Synagogue Plot
US authorities say al-Saadi attempted to orchestrate a bombing targeting a "prominent" synagogue in New York City.
According to prosecutors, he believed he was communicating with a Mexican cartel member capable of carrying out the attack, but was in fact speaking with an undercover operative.
Investigators allege al-Saadi agreed to pay $10,000 for the attack and insisted the operation be recorded.
Authorities also claim he discussed attacks against Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona.
Court Appearance and Charges
Al-Saadi appeared Friday before a federal court in New York, where he was ordered held without bail. He did not enter a plea.
He faces multiple charges, including:
- Conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization
- Conspiracy to support acts of terrorism
- Conspiracy to bomb a place of public use
Todd Blanche said the case demonstrates both the seriousness of global terror threats and the effectiveness of US law enforcement cooperation.
Links to Iran-Backed Groups
Prosecutors say al-Saadi has served as a commander within Kataib Hezbollah since 2017.
The complaint alleges the group operated under the pseudonym "Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya" (HAYI) to carry out attacks.
Authorities also allege al-Saadi maintained ties to senior Iran-backed militia leaders, including:
- Qasem Soleimani
- Esmail Qaani
- Akram al-Kabi
The complaint further alleges al-Saadi used social media to encourage attacks and promote retaliation following the 2020 US drone strike that killed Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.
Al-Saadi’s attorney, Andrew J. Dalack, claimed his client is a "political prisoner" and argued he was transferred to US custody without being able to challenge the legality of his detention in Turkey.