US Charges Kata’ib Hizballah Commander Over Alleged IRGC-Linked Terror Plot

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the arrest and charging of Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national and alleged senior member of Kata’ib Hizballah, in a major terrorism case linked to Iranian-backed networks.

Al-Saadi, 32, is accused of acting as an operative for Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), both designated by the US as foreign terrorist organisations. Prosecutors allege he was involved in almost 20 attacks and attempted attacks across Europe and the United States, including plots targeting Jewish institutions in New York, Los Angeles and Scottsdale.

The complaint claims Al-Saadi helped direct attacks in Europe between March and April 2026, including an explosive attack against Bank of New York Mellon in Amsterdam, an arson attack on a synagogue in Skopje, and a stabbing in London on 29 April 2026 that seriously injured two Jewish men, including a dual US-British citizen.

The DOJ also alleges that, in April and May 2026, Al-Saadi attempted to coordinate attacks inside the United States, including discussions with an undercover officer about using an improvised explosive device or fire against a New York synagogue.

The case underscores the DOJ’s continuing focus on Iranian-backed terrorist organisations, particularly the IRGC, IRGC-Qods Force and proxy groups such as Kata’ib Hizballah. It also highlights the increasing use of transnational enforcement tools, undercover operations and international cooperation to disrupt alleged terrorism plots before attacks occur.

Al-Saadi faces six terrorism-related charges, including conspiring to provide material support to foreign terrorist organisations, conspiring to bomb a place of public use and attempted destruction of property by fire or explosive. The most serious charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The arrest is significant because it places alleged overseas proxy activity within the jurisdiction of US courts where American citizens, Jewish institutions or US interests are targeted. For financial crime, sanctions and counterterrorism professionals, the case reinforces the importance of monitoring Iranian proxy networks, extremist propaganda, cross-border facilitation and operational links between designated terrorist organisations.

Read the press release here.