The United States State Department has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the capture of the leader of an Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group. The group, Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), is designated as a terrorist organization by Washington.
Details of the Reward
On Thursday, US officials posted on social media that they are seeking information on Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai. The post stated that individuals providing information could be eligible for relocation and a monetary reward.
Allegations Against the Group
Washington accuses KSS of killing Iraqi civilians and attacking US diplomatic facilities in Iraq. The group has also targeted US military bases and personnel in both Iraq and Syria.
Al-Saraji holds a position within the Coordination Framework, an alliance that commands a parliamentary majority in Iraq.
Context of Attacks
Iran-aligned groups have previously attacked the US embassy in Baghdad, a US diplomatic and logistics facility at Baghdad International Airport, and oil fields operated by foreign companies.
Iraq, which had recently experienced a period of relative stability after decades of conflict, was drawn into the broader Middle East war following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28.
Previous Reward
Earlier this month, a similar reward was offered for the leader of Kataeb Hezbollah, another Iraqi armed group. That group had kidnapped US journalist Shelly Kittleson, holding her for a week before releasing her.
