US designates four Iran-backed Iraqi Shiite militias as terrorists

US designates four Iran-backed Iraqi Shiite militias as terrorist groups — Members of Iraq’s pro-Iran Shiite Hashd al-Shaabi militias, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), carry their flags, Iraq, 2024. Photo: EPA

WASHINGTON,— The United States on Wednesday designated four Iran-backed Shiite militias as foreign terrorist organizations, the State Department announced.

The groups named are Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kata’ib al-Imam Ali, according to the department.

All had previously been listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, with Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada most recently sanctioned in 2023.

“These Iran-aligned groups have carried out attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and on bases hosting U.S. and coalition forces,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. “They often use front organizations or proxy names to conceal their role.”

U.S. officials describe Iran as the leading state sponsor of terrorism worldwide.

Harakat al-Nujaba

The State Department designated Harakat al-Nujaba, known as HAN, and its secretary general, Akram al-Kabi, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists in 2019. Founded in 2013, HAN has publicly pledged allegiance to Iran and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The militia is a major part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-aligned armed groups. HAN leaders have issued threats against U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq.

Iran provides HAN with weapons and logistics, and the group has maintained ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force under late commander Qasem Soleimani, as well as with former Hizballah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada

Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, or KSS, was labeled a terrorist group in 2023 along with its secretary general, Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji. The group operates as part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and has carried out attacks threatening U.S. and coalition personnel in Iraq and Syria. U.S. officials say Iran has trained and armed KSS, providing advanced weapons.

Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya

Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, known as HAAA, and its leader, Haydar Muzhir Ma’lak al-Sa’idi, were sanctioned in 2024. According to the U.S., the group took part in the January 2024 drone strike on Tower 22 in Jordan, which killed three American service members. HAAA has also threatened further operations against U.S. interests.

Kata’ib al-Imam Ali

The State Department designated Kata’ib al-Imam Ali (KIA) as a terrorist entity in 2025. The group has been involved in planning attacks against U.S. military and diplomatic facilities, as well as commercial projects in Iraq. Its fighters have also received training in Iran and from Hizballah in Lebanon.

KIA leader Shibl al-Zaydi, sanctioned in 2018, worked as a financial coordinator for Iran’s Qods Force and helped channel investments linked to Soleimani.

Previously listed groups

Washington had already designated other Iran-backed militias as foreign terrorist organizations. Kata’ib Hizballah was sanctioned in 2009. Its leader, Ahmad al-Hamidawi, was named in 2020. Formed in 2006, the group has claimed attacks against U.S., coalition and Israeli targets and threatened Iraqi political figures, while maintaining close ties to Iran.

Another group, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, was listed as a foreign terrorist organization in 2020, alongside its leader Qays al-Khazali. Founded in 2006, it has claimed thousands of attacks against coalition forces. The group was responsible for the assault on the Karbala Provincial Headquarters that resulted in the capture and killing of five American soldiers.

(With files from Reuters | U.S. Department of State)