The United States has announced a $10 million (£8m) reward for information leading to the capture of an Iraqi militia leader backed by Iran, in what officials describe as part of a broader effort to target Tehran-aligned groups.
The US State Department said it is seeking details on Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai, who leads Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada.
The group has been designated a terrorist organisation by Washington.
In a statement posted on social media on Thursday under its Rewards for Justice programme, the department said: “If you have information on Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji (Abu Alaa al-Walai), you may be eligible for a reward of up to $10 million.”
It also accused the militia of carrying out attacks against Iraqi civilians, US diplomatic missions, and military personnel in both Iraq and neighbouring Syria.
Officials added that individuals who provide credible information about Mr al-Saraji’s whereabouts could qualify for the reward and possible relocation.
The move comes just weeks after the US placed a similar $10 million bounty on Ahmad al-Hamidawi, leader of Kataeb Hezbollah, another Iran-backed militia operating in Iraq.
Kataeb Hezbollah was recently accused of abducting American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad. She was held for a week before being released.
The back-to-back announcements suggest a more aggressive US strategy aimed at dismantling networks of Iran-aligned armed groups in the region.
Washington has increasingly expressed concern over the reach of these militias, which it says have launched attacks not only within Iraq but also against US forces stationed in countries such as Syria and Jordan.
Regional tensions have also been heightened by reports from Saudi officials, who claim that a significant number of drone attacks targeting the kingdom originated from Iraqi territory.
In response, the US has stepped up pressure on the Iraqi government, including suspending certain security cooperation measures and restricting access to dollar revenues from oil sales. The aim, officials say, is to push Baghdad to take stronger action against militia groups operating within its borders.
