US Targets Iraqi Militia Leader with $10m Reward Amid Rising Regional Tensions

WASHINGTON — The United States has placed a $10 million bounty on Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, leader of the Iran-backed Iraqi armed group Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), as part of efforts to curb militant activities in the region.

The US State Department disclosed the move in a social media announcement on Thursday, identifying al-Saraji—also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai—as a key figure in operations attributed to the group.

Washington has designated KSS as a terrorist organisation, accusing it of carrying out attacks against both civilians and US interests.

The group has “killed Iraqi civilians and attacked U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq, as well as attacking U.S. military bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria,” US officials said.

Authorities indicated that individuals who provide useful information could benefit from financial incentives and possible relocation.

“You could be eligible for relocation and a reward” for information on al-Saraji’s whereabouts, the statement added.

Al-Saraji is also politically connected, holding a position within Iraq’s Coordination Framework, a dominant Shiite political bloc.

Over the years, Iran-backed groups have targeted US diplomatic missions, military installations, and foreign-operated oil facilities across Iraq.

The latest development comes against the backdrop of renewed regional tensions following the February 28 strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which further destabilised Iraq’s fragile security environment.

In a related move earlier this month, the US government announced a similar reward for the leader of Kataeb Hezbollah, accused of kidnapping American journalist Shelly Kittleson before releasing her after a week.

Reports from US media suggest Washington is also exerting pressure on Iraqi authorities to rein in militia groups, including measures such as suspending financial transfers and halting funding for certain security initiatives.

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