US charges Iraqi national with terrorism over alleged Kataib Hezbollah attacks across Europe, NYC plots

NEW YORK — U.S. federal prosecutors announced Friday that an Iraqi national accused of working with Kataib Hezbollah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been arrested and charged with terrorism-related offenses linked to attacks in Europe and alleged plots targeting U.S. interests, including in New York City.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York identified the suspect as Mohammad Baqer al-Saadi, 32, describing him as a senior Kataib Hezbollah member. He was transferred into U.S. custody overseas and appeared Friday before a federal magistrate judge in Manhattan, where he was ordered detained pending trial.

Prosecutors allege al-Saadi coordinated attacks carried out under the name Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, which they described as a component of Kataib Hezbollah. The group is accused of carrying out at least 18 attacks in Europe and two in Canada during March and April 2026, including bombings, arson and assaults targeting U.S., Israeli and Jewish interests.

“More recently, al-Saadi attempted to carry out attacks in the United States, including in New York City,” U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said. “Those who engage in or support terrorism against Americans and on U.S. soil should take note: the whole of the federal government is committed to dismantling terrorist organizations and bringing their members to justice.”

Al-Saadi faces six terrorism-related charges including conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations, conspiracy to bomb a place of public use and attempted destruction of property by fire or explosives. Some charges carry potential penalties of up to life in prison.

The arrest follows a series of U.S. actions against Iran-aligned faction leaders. The Rewards for Justice program announced rewards of up to $10 million each for information on Kataib Hezbollah leader Ahmad al-Hamidawi, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada secretary-general Abu Ala al-Walaei and Harakat al-Nujaba founder Akram al-Kaabi.

Since the regional war began in late February, Iran-aligned factions under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq umbrella have carried out repeated drone, rocket and missile attacks on U.S. military and diplomatic targets in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region. The United States has simultaneously struck PMF-linked positions across multiple governorates, killing dozens of fighters.