Iraqi Commander Mohammad Al-Saadi Accused of Planning Synagogue Attacks in US and Europe

US authorities have arrested and charged Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi , accused of coordinating nearly 20 terror attacks and attempted attacks across Europe, Canada and the United States in retaliation for the US and Israel’s war with Iran. Prosecutors described the 32-year-old as a senior commander of Kata’ib Hizballah and an operative linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) .

According to a federal complaint unsealed in Manhattan, Al-Saadi allegedly planned attacks on a prominent New York City synagogue and Jewish centres in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona. Investigators said he offered an undercover FBI operative USD 10,000 in cryptocurrency to carry out bombings and arson attacks, sending USD 3,000 in advance.

Prosecutors accused Al-Saadi and associates of operating under Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI) , described as a front for Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC. Authorities linked the group to attacks including the firebombing of a Bank of New York Mellon office in Amsterdam, attempted bombings in Paris, arson attacks on synagogues in Europe, and stabbing attacks against Jewish men in London.

The complaint also tied him to a synagogue attack and shooting near the US consulate in Toronto. Prosecutors said Al-Saadi used Snapchat and Telegram to claim attacks, spread propaganda videos and encourage violence against Americans and Jews.

Al-Saadi was arrested in Turkey and transferred to New York, where he called himself a political prisoner linked to slain Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani . He faces six terrorism-related charges and could receive life imprisonment if convicted.