The United States Department of State has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of the leader of an Iran-backed Iraqi armed group, intensifying efforts to curb militant activities in the region.
In a statement released on Thursday, US officials said the reward targets Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai, who heads the Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), a group Washington has designated as a terrorist organisation.
According to the US government, 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.”
Authorities added that individuals who provide credible information could qualify for both financial compensation and relocation support, stating that “you could be eligible for relocation and a reward” for details on the group’s leader.
Al-Saraji is also reported to be a member of Iraq’s ruling Shiite Coordination Framework, highlighting the complex political and security dynamics surrounding Iran-aligned militias in the country.
The development comes amid heightened regional tensions following the escalation of conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, with Iran-backed groups increasingly targeting US interests across Iraq.
US authorities have continued to mount pressure on the Iraqi government to rein in such groups, including measures such as suspending cash shipments and restricting funding for certain security programmes, according to reports.
Earlier this month, Washington issued a similar reward for another militia leader, underscoring its broader strategy to disrupt the operations of armed groups aligned with Tehran.
