Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah Commander Extradited to U.S. on Terrorism Charges

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi commander in Kataib Hezbollah, appeared in Manhattan federal court on 15 May 2026 on six terrorism-related counts after Turkish authorities arrested him and turned him over to the FBI for transport to the United States. He was detained pending trial. U.S.

-designated foreign terrorist organization that operates in Iraq with ties to Iran. Prosecutors charged al-Saadi with conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, conspiracy to provide material support for acts of terrorism and conspiracy to bomb a place of public use. U.S.

And Israeli interests in retaliation for the Iran war. He also directed and urged others to kill Americans and Jews. The charges allege al-Saadi has been involved in the planning, execution and promotion of 18 reported terror attacks in Europe and two reported terror attacks in Canada since 9 March.

An attack using explosives occurred at a synagogue in Liège, Belgium on or around 9 March. An arson attack occurred at a synagogue in Rotterdam, Netherlands on 13 March. An attack using explosives occurred at a Jewish school in Amsterdam on 14 March.

An attack occurred at the Bank of New York Mellon in Amsterdam on 15 March. Terror attacks occurred in London, Antwerp, Paris and Munich during March and April. Two Jewish men were stabbed in London on 29 April.

U.S. Consulate in Toronto on 10 March in which no one was injured. Al-Saadi was recorded on a phone call telling an FBI informant that he or his associates were involved in the European attacks and two in Canada.

He posted propaganda videos of the attacks on social media after they happened. Within the United States, al-Saadi plotted an attack on a New York City synagogue and plotted attacks on two Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, California and Scottsdale, Arizona. U.S.

Synagogue. He provided photos and maps of Jewish centres in Los Angeles and Scottsdale and asked if it was possible to set the three locations on fire at the same time. U.S. agent a $3,000 down payment to conduct the New York attack. A warrant for his arrest was issued shortly afterward.

U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the arrest was an example of American law enforcement serving to disrupt and dismantle foreign terrorist organizations and their leaders.

“As alleged in the complaint, Al-Saadi directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests and to kill Americans and Jews in the U.S. and abroad, and in doing so advance the terrorist goals of Kata'ib Hizballah and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps." — U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche FBI director Kash Patel stated on X that his agency had arrested and returned Al-Saadi to the United States and called him a high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism. Al-Saadi's lawyer Andrew Dalack stated that his client is facing political prosecution and is a prisoner of war who should be treated as such. Andrew Dalack stated that his client was detained and handed over to U.S. authorities without any opportunity to challenge his arrest or transport. Andrew Dalack stated that his client is being held in solitary confinement which is cruel and unnecessary.”