The United States has imposed sanctions on seven commanders of Iraqi militias described as “linked to Iran,” accusing them of planning, directing, and carrying out attacks against U.S. personnel, facilities, and interests in Iraq.
In a statement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury said the targeted individuals are senior leaders of some of the most violent militia organizations operating in Iraq, including Kata’ib Hezbollah, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat al-Nujaba, and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haqq.
“These militias operate with near impunity, attacking U.S. personnel and innocent civilians across Iraq, diverting Iraq’s resources to fund their terrorist activities, and undermining Iraq’s sovereignty and democratic processes,” the statement said.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would not allow Iran-backed militias in Iraq to threaten American lives or interests, adding that those enabling such violence would be held accountable.
As part of the sanctions, all assets and property interests of the designated individuals within the United States, or controlled by U.S. persons, have been frozen. The measures also apply to entities owned directly or indirectly by sanctioned persons at or above a 50% threshold.
