Washington, DC – In an escalation reflecting increased pressure on Iranian-backed militias, the US State Department designated Akram al-Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Iraqi militia Harakat al-Nujaba, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
Concurrently, the Rewards for Justice program announced a substantial reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his location or arrest.
A history of armed action and Iranian influence
Al-Kaabi (born 1977) is one of the most prominent radical figures to emerge after the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He began his career in the Mahdi Army, affiliated with the Sadrist Movement, where he led field operations in the Battle of Najaf in 2004, before joining Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq.
In 2013, he founded Harakat al-Nujaba, which played a pivotal role in the fighting in Syria, particularly in Aleppo. He also supported the Assad regime and participated within the framework of the “Axis of Resistance.”
Observers view al-Kaabi as Iran’s strongman in Iraq, given his declared commitment to the principle of “Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist” (Velayat-e Faqih) and his adoption of a hardline rhetoric calling for the end of the American presence by military means.
His name has also been linked to armed groups described as “front groups,” such as “Ashab al-Kahf” (Companions of the Cave). These groups have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks against international coalition interests.
Direct threats and regional involvement
In recent years, al-Kaabi has emerged as a leader who does not hesitate to directly threaten the United States. In a 2021 speech, he affirmed that armed action remains the “primary option,” declaring his readiness to take military action at the direction of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
With the outbreak of recent regional conflicts, al-Nujaba openly declared its involvement alongside Tehran in the war. Consequently, it has come under the scrutiny of international intelligence agencies.
“Rewards” strategy for dismantling networks
The pursuit of al-Kaabi is part of a broader US campaign to cut off the influence of Iraqi militias. Recent measures have targeted prominent leaders such as Ahmed Mohsen al-Hamidawi (Abu Hussein), commander of Kataib Hezbollah, and Abu Ala al-Walai. These rewards reflect Washington’s desire to use financial and intelligence pressure to dismantle the “axis of resistance” in Iraq. This comes amid escalating attacks and geopolitical tensions plaguing the region.
