Kataib Hezbollah blames ‘malicious trap’ for deadly Dora shootout in scathing statement on PM Al-Sudani

BAGHDAD — Kataib Hezbollah on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani of orchestrating what it called a “malicious trap” in Baghdad’s Dora district, where a federal police officer was killed and at least 15 others injured during an armed assault on a government building.

In a scathing statement posted to Telegram by Abu Ali Al-Askari, a senior Kataib Hezbollah official, the Iran-aligned militia said the prime minister sent “a massive army” into the area not for security reasons but out of “frustration with the media of Kataib Hezbollah” and the group’s positions on “major national and sovereign issues.”

The incident occurred during an administrative meeting at the Agriculture Directorate in southern Baghdad, where gunmen stormed the building and opened fire. Federal Police and Karkh patrol units responded, leading to deadly clashes.

Security officials have not confirmed how many of the attackers were affiliated with Kataib Hezbollah, but the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad later issued a statement directly blaming the group and called on the Iraqi government to hold those responsible accountable.

Kataib Hezbollah said its members were “lured into this malicious trap, which resulted in the shedding of forbidden blood.” The group described the operation as a calculated ambush led by “a traitor of the Shia.”

The statement also questioned Al-Sudani’s leadership credentials, saying, “We excuse brother Al-Sudani, for he is new to military and security affairs. He is a successful administrator, but was never a successful leader—and never will be.”

It went on to call the Iraqi army ineffective despite its equipment and manpower. “The massive army sent by Mr. Al-Sudani… could not hold ground against a group of young men who did not come out to kill Iraqis but to aid their own people,” the statement read.

Statement from Kataib Hezbollah in full:

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

“And we will surely be patient over whatever harm you may cause us, and upon Allah let those who rely rely.”

Following the recent statement by Kataib Hezbollah on July 28, 2025, we speak frankly and state the following:

First: The incident at the Agriculture Directorate in Baghdad and the subsequent consequences and accusations are not unprecedented in the Baghdad Belt areas over the past twelve years—particularly in Latifiya, Bu’aitha, Mada’in, and Tajiat. These cities served as ISIS strongholds threatening the security of Baghdad and its people, after most belt areas became a Wahhabi-ISIS ring encircling the capital. These areas witnessed massacres that claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people, and where honor was violated. From 2003 to 2014, we engaged in intermittent intelligence and security confrontations against local and international organizations seeking to tighten this ring around Baghdad and take control of it.

Our fighters cleansed the land, returned it to its people, and spread security, justice, and peaceful coexistence among sects. This displeased the murderers who now weep over Baghdad’s belt after losing their grip on it. We have accomplished much—and much more remains to be done.

Second: That unfortunate incident was a well-crafted trap, woven by a traitor of the Shia—as described by the martyred commander Hajj Qasem Soleimani (may God’s mercy be upon him)—in coordination with a group of thieves and corrupt officers. Afterward, the Prime Minister stormed in with his massive army, not for any reason other than his frustration with the media of Kataib Hezbollah for its consistent positions on major national and sovereign issues—such as the file of expelling foreign occupation, defending Khor Abdullah, and protecting public funds plundered by the likes of Masoud Barzani and others.

We excuse brother Al-Sudani, for he is new to military and security affairs. He is a successful administrator, but was never a successful leader—and never will be. Therefore, we call upon the respected leaders of the Coordination Framework to take their historical responsibilities seriously and decisively before their political legacy is handed over to the likes of “Abu Klash.”

Third: Our honorable, sincere, and brave youth were lured into this malicious trap, which resulted in the shedding of forbidden blood. In order not to give excuse to opportunists seeking to tarnish the reputation of our struggle—and as the saying goes, “a smart man’s mistake is worth a thousand”—the leadership of Kataib Hezbollah has decided to cease its work on the Baghdad belt project and to hand over all responsibilities to the respected leadership of the Popular Mobilization Forces, with an emphasis that it will severely hold accountable anyone who claims to work with it under this title.

Fourth: Let us recall that the massive army sent by Mr. Al-Sudani, heavily armed and shielded by its armored vehicles and personnel carriers—with its thick-bodied, thick-mustached elements—could not hold ground against a group of young men who did not come out to kill Iraqis but to aid their own people. How then would they fare against the fighters of the Levant and Western ISIS militants, supported by the armies of takfir—Tatars, Uyghurs, and others—who possess extensive criminal combat experience?

Will they flee once again before their chants and blaring horns? Will we again find ourselves gathering their scattered remains in the fields and collecting their disgraced weapons and vehicles from the hands of ISIS youth?

The Iraqi state will not stand except with its loyal sons and defenders. Without them, even the vastest land will feel narrow.

Peace be upon the righteous servants of God.