The United States has announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the capture of an Iraqi militia leader linked to a group accused of attacking American interests in the Middle East.
In a statement released on Thursday, the U.S. State Department said it is seeking information on Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai, who heads the Iran-backed armed group Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS).
Washington alleges that the group has been involved in deadly attacks on Iraqi civilians, as well as assaults on U.S. diplomatic missions, military bases, and personnel in both Iraq and Syria.
Officials added that anyone with useful information could qualify not only for the financial reward but also possible relocation.
Al-Saraji is said to be a member of Iraq’s ruling Shiite coalition, known as the Coordination Framework, which holds a majority in parliament.
Over the years, Iran-backed militias have repeatedly targeted U.S. facilities in Iraq, including the American embassy in Baghdad, as well as installations at the city’s international airport and oil facilities operated by foreign companies.
Tensions in the region have escalated further since the outbreak of the broader Middle East conflict earlier this year, following attacks involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
This is not the first time Washington is placing a bounty on militia leaders in the region. Earlier in April, a similar reward was announced for a commander of another armed group, Kataeb Hezbollah, accused of kidnapping a U.S. journalist who was later released.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the U.S. has also increased pressure on the Iraqi government to clamp down on pro-Iran groups, including suspending certain financial support and security-related funding.
