The United States Department of State has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the whereabouts of Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, leader of the Iran-aligned armed group Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), which Washington designates as a terrorist organisation.
In a statement shared on Thursday, US officials said al-Saraji—also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai—is wanted over alleged involvement in attacks on civilians and US interests in the region.
According to the State Department, the group has carried out attacks on Iraqi civilians, US diplomatic facilities, and military bases in both Iraq and Syria. Authorities added that individuals providing credible information could be eligible for relocation in addition to the financial reward.
Al-Saraji is also reported to hold a position within the Coordination Framework, the coalition that commands a parliamentary majority in Iraq.
Iran-aligned armed groups have in recent times targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, as well as diplomatic and logistics facilities at the city’s airport and oil installations operated by foreign firms.
Tensions in the region have escalated following the United States and Israel military strikes on Iran on February 28, an event that has drawn Iraq further into the broader Middle East conflict.
Earlier this month, US authorities also announced a similar reward for the leader of Kataeb Hezbollah, another armed group accused of abducting US journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was later released after a week in captivity.