US Escalates: Designates Iran-Backed Iraqi Militias as Terror Groups!
The United States has intensified its stance against Iran by designating four Iraq-based militia groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This move, announced by the State Department, targets what the U.S. describes as Iran's 'Axis of Resistance.' The designated groups are Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata'ib al-Imam Ali. All four were previously designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) by the Treasury Department in 2023.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that these Iran-aligned militia groups have conducted attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and bases hosting U.S. and Coalition forces, often concealing their involvement through front names or proxy groups. The U.S. action underscores its commitment to countering Iranian influence and protecting American interests in the region.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI)
According to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), these four groups form the core of an umbrella organization known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI). The IRI gained prominence following the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and is believed to be responsible for hundreds of attacks in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. Notably, the IRI was blamed for the drone strike in January 2024 that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. service members in Jordan.
Implications of the Designation
The FTO designation carries significant consequences, including the freezing of assets and travel bans for members of the designated groups. It also makes it a crime for U.S. persons to provide material support or resources to these organizations. This latest move by the U.S. government signals a hardening of its posture towards Iran and its proxies in the Middle East.
- Freezing of assets
- Travel bans for members
- Criminalization of material support from U.S. persons
This designation reflects the ongoing tensions in the region and the U.S.'s continued efforts to counter terrorism and protect its interests.