US Announces $10 Million Reward for Iraqi Militia Leader Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, Linked to Iran

Dil Bar Irshad | April 24, 2026 | 02:27 PM IST | Breaking News, World | Follow on Google News

US Announces $10 Million Reward for Iraqi Militia Leader Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, Linked to Iran

WASHINGTON, Apr 25 (VoM News) — The United States has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest of Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, a senior Iraqi militia leader aligned with Iran.

Al-Saraji, also known as Abu Waala al Wa’eli, is the secretary-general of Kata’ib Sayyid al Shuhada, an armed group backed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The announcement was made under the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme.

In a statement, the department said the group has been involved in attacks on U.S. personnel, diplomatic facilities, and Iraqi civilians, operating across Iraq and parts of Syria. Officials added that individuals providing credible information may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

The move comes amid increased U.S. pressure on Iran-backed militias in Iraq, particularly as tensions in the region remain high. Washington has been urging Iraqi authorities to take stronger steps to curb the influence of such groups.

Over the past decade, militias linked to Iran have carried out repeated attacks targeting U.S. forces and diplomatic missions in Iraq. Officials say the frequency of such strikes has risen sharply during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, with hundreds of incidents reported, including attacks extending to regional targets.

Al-Saraji was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the United States in November 2023. Before leading KSS, he was associated with Kata’ib Hezbollah, another Iran-linked militia active in Iraq and Syria.

U.S. officials say groups like KSS operate with guidance from Iran’s elite Quds Force and play a key role in advancing Tehran’s regional influence.

Dil Bar Irshad

Dil Bar Irshad is a seasoned journalist, hails from Jammu Kashmir's Doda, covers political, social, business stories, index stories.