US Designates Iraq-Based Militia as Global Terrorists

The US Department of State has designated the Iraq-based militia group Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and its secretary-general, Haydar Muzhir Ma’lak al-Sa’idi, as “specially designated global terrorists.” This Iran-aligned group is part of the ‘Islamic Resistance in Iraq’ (IRI), which includes other US-designated terrorist organizations. The group has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on US military personnel in Iraq and Syria, including a deadly drone attack in Jordan. The State Department emphasized its commitment to countering Iran’s support for terrorism and disrupting Iran-backed groups’ capabilities.