The United States has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of a senior Iraqi militia leader linked to Iran-aligned armed groups operating in Iraq and Syria.
The US Department of State said in a statement posted on social media on Thursday that it is seeking information on Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, the leader of Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), a group Washington designates as a terrorist organisation.
According to US officials, al-Saraji leads the militia also known as Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada, which has been accused of carrying out multiple attacks targeting US and allied interests in the region. The group is described by Washington as “Iran-aligned” and part of a broader network of armed factions operating in Iraq.
In its statement, the State Department alleged that the group has been responsible for attacks on US diplomatic facilities in Iraq, as well as strikes against American military bases and personnel in both Iraq and neighbouring Syria. The US also accused the group of involvement in violence that has resulted in civilian deaths within Iraq.
The announcement included an unusual incentive, noting that individuals providing actionable intelligence on al-Saraji’s whereabouts could qualify not only for financial compensation but also potential relocation assistance.
“You could be eligible for relocation and a reward,” the statement said, underscoring the seriousness with which Washington is pursuing intelligence on the militia leader.
Al-Saraji is also reported to hold a political position within the Coordination Framework, a coalition of parties that currently holds a parliamentary majority in Iraq. The alliance includes several factions with varying degrees of affiliation or sympathy toward Iran, reflecting the complex political landscape in the country.
The US statement comes amid ongoing tensions involving Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq, many of which operate semi-autonomously while maintaining political representation within Iraq’s formal governance structures. These groups have been accused by Washington of orchestrating repeated attacks on Western interests in the region.
Over the past year, several incidents have been reported involving rocket and drone attacks on US diplomatic sites, military installations, and energy infrastructure in Iraq. Foreign-operated oil fields and logistics hubs have also been affected, raising concerns about regional stability and the security of critical energy supply routes.
The situation has further complicated Iraq’s efforts to maintain balance between its relationships with both the United States and Iran. While Iraq has made progress in restoring relative stability after decades of conflict, the presence of multiple armed factions continues to pose challenges to full security consolidation.
The US announcement follows a similar reward offer issued earlier this month targeting the leader of Kataeb Hezbollah, another Iran-aligned armed faction operating in Iraq. That group has also been implicated in attacks against US interests in the region.
In a separate incident referenced by US officials, Kataeb Hezbollah was accused of kidnapping American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was reportedly held for a week before being released. The case further intensified scrutiny of militia activities in Iraq and their impact on foreign nationals operating in the country.
Analysts say the latest reward announcement reflects a broader US strategy aimed at disrupting the leadership structures of Iran-aligned groups through intelligence gathering and targeted pressure. The use of financial incentives for information has been a recurring feature of US counterterrorism efforts in the region.
At the same time, Iraqi officials face the challenge of managing internal political dynamics, as some of the groups accused by the US maintain formal representation within the country’s political system. This overlap between armed influence and political participation continues to complicate governance and security reforms.
As tensions persist across the Middle East, Iraq remains a key arena where competing regional and international interests intersect. The latest US move is expected to further heighten scrutiny of militia activity and may increase diplomatic pressure on Baghdad to rein in armed groups operating outside full state control.
For now, Washington has reiterated its commitment to pursuing individuals it considers responsible for attacks on US personnel and facilities, while continuing to rely on intelligence cooperation and regional partnerships to advance its objectives.
