Iraqi Militant Leader Charged Over Plotting Multiple Terror Attacks Targeting Americans and Jews

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, FBI | Jihad Watch

Federal authorities have arrested and charged Iraqi militant leader Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi for allegedly coordinating and planning at least 18 terrorist attacks across Europe aimed at American and Jewish targets, according to a federal criminal complaint. Prosecutors say the attacks were intended as retaliation linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and were carried out in support of the objectives of Kata'ib Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to investigators, al-Saadi allegedly instructed and encouraged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests globally, with the goal of advancing the agenda of the Iran-backed militant groups. In addition to the European plots, authorities claim he coordinated two separate attacks in Canada and attempted to organize terrorist operations within the United States.

One of the most alarming allegations involves a planned bombing of a prominent Jewish synagogue in New York City. Prosecutors say al-Saadi also targeted Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale. Authorities revealed that while attempting to arrange the synagogue attack, al-Saadi believed he was communicating with a member of a Mexican cartel capable of carrying out the bombing. However, the individual was actually an undercover federal agent.

Investigators say al-Saadi agreed to pay $10,000 for the synagogue attack and demanded that it be recorded as proof. He reportedly insisted the attack take place on April 6 and followed up the next day when it did not occur, asking why the operation had failed.

Federal prosecutors identified al-Saadi as a commander within Kata'ib Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization based in Iraq, with alleged ties dating back to 2017. The group is closely linked to the IRGC and is believed to have used the alias Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI) to conduct a wave of arson attacks on Jewish institutions across Europe, including synagogues, schools, and emergency vehicles.

Authorities also claim al-Saadi maintained close ties with senior militant figures, including Esmail Qaani and Akram al-Kabi. Prosecutors further allege he used various social media platforms to promote acts of terrorism and publicly call for retaliatory violence.

The case highlights growing international concerns over transnational terrorism networks and the increasing use of covert digital platforms to coordinate attacks targeting civilian populations worldwide.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)