By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The United States Department of State announced on Thursday that it is offering up to $10 million for information about Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai, the leader of the Iran-backed Iraqi armed group Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS). The announcement targets intelligence on his whereabouts in Iraq, where he allegedly coordinates militant activities. US officials say KSS has carried out attacks against American diplomatic facilities, military bases, and personnel in Iraq and Syria. The reward aims to disrupt Iran-linked armed networks following rising regional tensions.
Who is Abu Alaa al-Walai?
Abu Alaa al-Walai leads Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada, a militia aligned with Iran.
The US designates the group as a terrorist organisation.
He holds influence within Iraq’s Coordination Framework, a major Shiite political alliance.
This bloc currently holds significant power in Iraq’s parliament.
Why the US Issued the Reward
The US claims KSS has participated in multiple violent operations.
These include attacks on diplomatic sites and military positions.
Washington says the group also threatens regional stability.
It further links KSS to Iran-backed armed networks operating across Iraq and Syria.
Consequently, the US increased pressure on Baghdad to act against such groups.
Regional Tensions and Iraq’s Security Situation
Iraq has faced renewed instability amid wider Middle East tensions.
A recent escalation followed conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
Although Iraq had regained relative stability, violence has resurfaced.
Militant activity and cross-border strikes have increased security concerns.
Moreover, Iran-backed groups have targeted sensitive infrastructure.
These include oil fields, airports, and foreign diplomatic sites.
Previous Rewards and US Actions
Earlier, the US also offered a reward for another militia leader linked to Kataeb Hezbollah.
That development followed the reported kidnapping of a US journalist.
In addition, Washington has reduced financial support to Iraq’s security programmes.
Officials say the move increases pressure on Baghdad to control armed groups.
US Statement on KSS Activities
US officials stated that KSS has “killed Iraqi civilians” and attacked US interests.
They also linked the group to repeated strikes on military and diplomatic targets.
Therefore, the reward seeks public assistance in locating its leader.
The US believes intelligence sharing will weaken militia operations.
