Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, born Ahmad Fadil Nazal al-Khalayleh, was the founder of ISIS’s predecessor, al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), and the former leader of two other terrorist organizations: al-Tawhid wal-Jihad and Jund al-Sham.“Foreign Terrorist Organization: Designation of Jama'at al-Tawhid wa'al-Jihad and Aliases,” U.S. Department of State, October 15, 2004, http://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2004/37130.htm. Notorious for his videotaped beheadings, Zarqawi was implicated in numerous terrorist attacks and became the United States’ most-wanted terrorist in Iraq in 2005.Associated Press, “Al-Zarqawi tops U.S. most-wanted list in Iraq,” NBC News, February 22, 2005, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/7011803/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/al-zarqawi-tops-us-most-wanted-list-iraq/. He was killed by a U.S. airstrike in June 2006.Ellen Knickmeyer and Jonathan Finer, “Insurgent Leader Al-Zarqawi Killed in Iraq,” Washington Post, June 8, 2006, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/08/AR2006060800114.html.

Zarqawi was born and raised in the Jordanian town of Zarqa.Mary Anne Weaver, “The Short, Violent Life of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi,” Atlantic, July 1, 2006, http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2006/07/the-short-violent-life-of-abu-musab-al-zarqawi/304983/. He was known for drinking and fighting at a young age, soon graduating to criminal activity.Lawrence Joffe, “Abu Musab al-Zarqawi obituary,” Guardian (London), June 8, 2006, https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/jun/09/guardianobituaries.alqaida. At age 15, Zarqawi was involved in a robbery and murder at his relative’s home, and two years later he dropped out of school. By the time he was 23 years old, Zarqawi was the subject of 37 criminal cases. He decided to travel to Afghanistan and wage jihad for the first time in 1989.Mary Anne Weaver, “The Short, Violent Life of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi,” Atlantic, July 1, 2006, http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2006/07/the-short-violent-life-of-abu-musab-al-zarqawi/304983/. There, Zarqawi  trained at a camp established by Osama bin Laden and Abdullah Azzam in Pakistan near the Afghan border, under al-Qaeda military chief Mohammed Atef.Mary Anne Weaver, “The Short, Violent Life of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi,” Atlantic, July 1, 2006, http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2006/07/the-short-violent-life-of-abu-musab-al-zarqawi/304983/.

Following the end of the Soviet-Afghan War, Zarqawi returned to Jordan in 1993 to form a militant Islamist group there. The group, which sought to overthrow the Jordanian kingdom, came to be known as al-Tawhid wal-Jihad. Zarqawi was arrested later that year after several bombing attempts in Jordan and received a sentence of 15 years in jail in 1994. During his time in prison, Zarqawi further self-radicalized while attempting to recruit other prisoners. He and fellow inmate Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi would use the Internet to broadcast their jihadist messages. In 1998, Zarqawi’s messages came to the attention of Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan.Mary Anne Weaver, “The Short, Violent Life of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi,” Atlantic, July 1, 2006, http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2006/07/the-short-violent-life-of-abu-musab-al-zarqawi/304983/.

In May 1999, Jordan’s King Abdullah II declared a general amnesty and Zarqawi was subsequently released. [1] He is believed to have immediately reengaged in terrorist activities, and the Jordanian government later declared him a suspect in foiled terrorist attacks planned for New Year’s Eve 1999.[2] After several months at home in Zarqa, Zarqawi fled the country for Pakistan. In December 1999, he crossed the border into Afghanistan and met with bin Laden at the Government Guest House in Kandahar, Taliban’s de facto capital. [3] According to Israeli intelligence and witnesses at the meeting, bin Laden immediately “disliked” Zarqawi because he was aggressive and had openly criticized bin Laden and al-Qaeda. Bin Laden found Zarqawi’s fiercely anti-Shiite rhetoric to be extreme.However, following debate within al-Qaeda’s leadership, Zarqawi received $5,000 to establish his own camp in Afghanistan near the Iran border and developed his new group, Jund al-Sham.Mary Anne Weaver, “The Short, Violent Life of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi,” Atlantic, July 1, 2006, http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2006/07/the-short-violent-life-of-abu-musab-al-zarqawi/304983/;
Thom Patterson, “The unlikely godfather of the Islamic State,” CNN, July 3 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/29/middleeast/declassified-zarqawi-father-of-isis/index.html.

In October 2001, following al-Qaeda’s September 11 attacks, Zarqawi and his fighters joined forces with al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan, where he was wounded in an U.S. airstrike. In December of that year, Zarqawi and 300 Jund al-Sham fighters relocated to Iran to establish a base there, and Zarqawi remained there for 14 months before traveling to northern Iraq, Syria and South of Lebanon.Mary Anne Weaver, “The Short, Violent Life of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi,” Atlantic, July 1, 2006, http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2006/07/the-short-violent-life-of-abu-musab-al-zarqawi/304983/. Zarqawi re-entered Iraq sometime after the U.S.-led invasion the country, attracting more sympathizers and fighters. In October 2004, Zarqawi declared himself the emir of al-Qaeda’s satellite in Iraq, al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI).Ted Kemp, “Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is the man who founded ISIS,” CNBC, August 11, 2016, http://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/11/who-founded-isis-abu-musb-al-zarqawi-started-the-terror-group.html. In December 2004, bin Laden accepted Zarqawi’s pledge of allegiance, essentially sanctioning his role as the leader of an al-Qaeda franchise.Lawrence Joffe, “Abu Musab al-Zarqawi obituary,” Guardian (London), June 8, 2006, https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/jun/09/guardianobituaries.alqaida.

During the U.S. war in Iraq, Zarqawi continued his spate of deadly terrorist attacks and rose to global infamy with his kidnappings and killings of foreigners. Zarqawi became notorious for his videotaped beheadings, starting with the killing of U.S. citizen Nicholas Berg in May 2004.Lawrence Joffe, “Abu Musab al-Zarqawi obituary,” Guardian (London), June 8, 2006, https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/jun/09/guardianobituaries.alqaida. ISIS, AQI’s successor, has since adopted Zarqawi’s infamous practice. The group has also filmed other forms of gruesome violence against its hostages, including the horrific murder of Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh, and has also adopted Zarqawi’s practice of engaging in brutal sectarian violence.Thom Patterson, “The unlikely godfather of the Islamic State,” CNN, July 3 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/29/middleeast/declassified-zarqawi-father-of-isis/index.html.

In the mid-2000s, Zarqawi continued to alienate his former supporters, including al-Qaeda’s senior leaders and some Iraqi Sunni Muslims. On November 9, 2005, a series of bombs claimed by AQI ripped through three hotels throughout Amman, killing 60 people and prompting outcry from Iraqi Sunnis.Lawrence Joffe, “Abu Musab al-Zarqawi obituary,” Guardian, June 8, 2006, https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/jun/09/guardianobituaries.alqaida. In November 18, 2005, Zarqawi was disowned by his former cohort, Maqdisi, for attacking civilians during the Amman hotel bombings.Ian Black, “Jordan releases jihadi cleric and Isis critic after group’s murder of pilot,” Guardian, February 5, 2015, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/05/jordan-release-jihadi-cleric-al-maqdisi-isis-killing-pilot-al-kasasbeh.

The United States intensified its hunt for Zarqawi in late 2005 and 2006.Thom Patterson, “The unlikely godfather of the Islamic State,” CNN, July 3 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/29/middleeast/declassified-zarqawi-father-of-isis/index.html. On June 7, 2006, after weeks of tracking him, U.S. warplanes targeted a house in which Zarqawi was convening a meeting. Zarqawi was later confirmed dead along with several other prominent insurgent leaders by U.S. intelligence and al-Qaeda.Ellen Knickmeyer and Jonathan Finer, “Insurgent Leader Al-Zarqawi Killed in Iraq,” Washington Post, June 8, 2006, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/08/AR2006060800114.html.

Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Waala al Wa’eli or Walai, is the U.S.-designated secretary-general of Kata’ib Sayyid al Shuhada (KSS), an Iraqi militia supported by and ideologically aligned with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Wa’eli has previously announced his support of the Houthi movement and has stated in the past that KSS is a faction of the terror group.Caleb Weiss, “Iraqi Shia militia ‘willing to send fighters to Yemen’,” Long War Journal, July 9, 2018, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/07/iraqi-shia-militia-willing-to-send-fighters-to-yemen.php. Given KSS’s activities in advancing Iran’s interests in the region and their ongoing campaign against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, the U.S. Department of State designated Wa’eli as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on November 17, 2023.“Terrorist Designations of Iran-aligned Militia Groups,” U.S. Department of State, November 17, 2023, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designations-of-iran-aligned-militia-groups/.

Before joining KSS, Wa’eli was a member of Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH), a U.S.-designated anti-American Shiite militia operating in Iraq with ancillary operations in Syria.Michael Knights, “OFAC Designates Iraqi Militiamen (Part 2): KSS and Abu Ala al-Walai,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, November 17, 2023, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/ofac-designates-iraqi-militiamen-part-2-kss-and-abu-ala-al-walai. His militant activities as a KH member reportedly led to his incarceration in a U.S. prison until he was released in 2010. At the outset of Syria’s civil war in the early 2010s, KH members from the militia’s Abu Hussein and Abu Fadak wings went on to form KSS, with Wa’eli joining their ranks.Michael Knights, “OFAC Designates Iraqi Militiamen (Part 2): KSS and Abu Ala al-Walai,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, November 17, 2023, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/ofac-designates-iraqi-militiamen-part-2-kss-and-abu-ala-al-walai. In 2014, KSS leader Abu Mustafa al-Sheibani became an adviser to Iraqi Interior Minister Mohammed al-Ghabban, an official of the Michael Knights, “OFAC Designates Iraqi Militiamen (Part 2): KSS and Abu Ala al-Walai,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, November 17, 2023, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/ofac-designates-iraqi-militiamen-part-2-kss-and-abu-ala-al-walai; “Terrorist Designations of Iran-aligned Militia Groups,” U.S. Department of State, November 17, 2023, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designations-of-iran-aligned-militia-groups/.

KSS expanded its presence in Iraq after ISIS swept through the country in 2014.“Part 2: Pro-Iran Militias in Iraq,” Wilson Center, April 27, 2018, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/part-2-pro-iran-militias-iraq. The Iraqi militia currently operates as a member of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), designated as Brigade 14.Renad Mansour and Faleh A. Jabar, “The Popular Mobilization Forces and Iraq’s Future,” Carnegie Middle East Center, April 28, 2017, https://carnegie-mec.org/2017/04/28/popular-mobilization-forces-and-iraq-s-future-pub-68810. The Iraqi government created the PMF in June 2014 to unite various Shiite forces in the country in the fight against ISIS.“Top Iraqi Militia Leader: Fighting for Iran under Soleimani's leadership Is “Blessing from God”,” Middle East Institute, April 5, 2017, http://www.mei.edu/publications/top-iraqi-militia-leader-fighting-iran-under-soleimanis-leadership-blessing-god; Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, “Hashd Brigade Numbers Index,” Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi's Blog, October 31, 2017, http://www.aymennjawad.org/2017/10/hashd-brigade-numbers-index. KSS works closely with other pro-Iran PMF units and its commanders have met personally with Qasem Soleimani, the deceased commander of the Quds Force, the elite IRGC military unit that coordinates Iran’s support to its foreign terrorist proxies.Caleb Weiss, “Iranian general at the forefront of the Tikrit offensive,” Long War Journal, March 5, 2015, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/03/iranian-general-at-the-forefront-of-the-tikrit-offensive.php. KSS receives funds from the Iraqi government as well as directly from the IRGC-QF.“Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada,” Mapping Militant Organizations, last modified December 28, 2016, https://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/groups/view/629. KSS supports the IRGC-QF’s affiliate network as well, with Wa’eli claiming in 2018 that his militia would send his men to Yemen to fight alongside the Iran-backed Houthis against the Saudi-led coalition.Caleb Weiss, “Iraqi Shia Militia ‘Willing to Send Fighters to Yemen,’” Long War Journal, July 9, 2018, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/07/iraqi-shia-militia-willing-to-send-fighters-to-yemen.php.

Following Soleimani’s death in a U.S. airstrike in January 2020, Wa’eli was one of the muqawama (resistance) leaders to report to Soleimani’s successor, Ismail Ghaani.Michael Knights, Crispin Smith, and Hamdi Malik, “Discordance in the Iran Threat Network in Iraq: Militia Competition and Rivalry,” Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, October 2021, https://ctc.westpoint.edu/discordance-in-the-iran-threat-network-in-iraq-militia-competition-and-rivalry/. Wa’eli’s proximity to senior leaders within Iran’s elite IRGC-QF suggests KSS serves a pivotal role in Iran’s operations across Syria and Iraq.

In October 2023, an umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) emerged after the start of the Hamas-Israel war in the Gaza Strip. The IRI is reportedly a coalition of all Iran-backed Shiite militias operating in Iraq. Among the groups included are Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba (HHN), Kataib Hezbollah (KH), Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), and KSS, as well as lesser-known militias, such as Tashkil al-Waritheen. The group quickly launched dozens of attacks on U.S. forces and military bases across Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the United States’ stance on the Gaza crisis.Hamdi Malik and Michael Knights, “Profile: The Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, October 21, 2023, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/profile-islamic-resistance-iraq. By January 2024, the militant coalition carried out more than 100 attacks.Raya Jalabi and Felicia Schwartz, “US air strike kills commander of Iran-backed militia in Baghdad,” Financial Times, January 4, 2024, https://www.ft.com/content/6c70205d-e2b0-4f1a-bb19-835f7aa2b268.

On November 17, 2023, the U.S. Department of State designated KSS and Wa’eli as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) for the group’s role in threatening the lives of U.S. and Global Coalition personnel in Iraq and Syria.“Terrorist Designations of Iran-aligned Militia Groups,” U.S. Department of State, November 17, 2023, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designations-of-iran-aligned-militia-groups/.

Khaled Mohammad Kassem, also known as Jalal, is the deputy leader of Hezbollah’s External Security Organization (ESO), sometimes referred to as Unit 910 or the Islamic Jihad Organization. The ESO is Hezbollah’s military arm responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing terrorist attacks.“Lebanese Hezbollah,” Congressional Research Service, January 11, 2023, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10703. As ESO deputy leader, Kassem coordinates the group’s logistics and operations.“Khaled Kassem,” Stop 910, https://stop910.com/en/node/643.html. The ESO is known for carrying out the catastrophic terror attacks in Argentina in 1992 and 1994.Nicolas Pizzi, “Los jefes de la célula que planificó y ejecutó el atentado a la AMIA y el rol de Mohsen Rabbani,” Infobae, July 30, 2022, https://www.infobae.com/politica/2022/07/30/los-jefes-de-la-celula-que-planifico-y-ejecuto-el-atentado-a-la-amia-y-el-rol-de-mohsen-rabbani/.

Although born in Brazil, Kassem’s family is originally from western Beqaa, Lebanon. Khaled’s immediate family includes his father Mohammad Kassem, his mother, Fatima, and his wife, Najat Wehbi.Nicolas Pizzi, “Los jefes de la célula que planificó y ejecutó el atentado a la AMIA y el rol de Mohsen Rabbani,” Infobae, July 30, 2022, https://www.infobae.com/politica/2022/07/30/los-jefes-de-la-celula-que-planifico-y-ejecuto-el-atentado-a-la-amia-y-el-rol-de-mohsen-rabbani/.

Kassem reportedly served as field commander during two tragic terror attacks in Argentina in the 1990s.“Khaled Kassem,” Stop 910, https://stop910.com/en/node/643.html. Those attacks—which the national intelligence agency of Israel (Mossad) claims Iran approved, funded, and supplied training and equipment for—targeted Israelis and Jews in Buenos Aires.Ronen Bergman, “Mossad Sheds New Light on Argentina Terrorist Attacks in 1990s,” New York Times, July 25, 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/22/world/middleeast/argentina-mossad-hezbollah-bombings.html. The first attack on March 17, 1992, involved a car explosion targeting the Israeli Embassy. The explosion killed 29 people and injured 250 others. The second attack was a suicide bombing that targeted the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) Jewish community center on July18, 1994. The explosion killed 86 and injured more than 100 others.Ronen Bergman, “Mossad Sheds New Light on Argentina Terrorist Attacks in 1990s,” New York Times, July 25, 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/22/world/middleeast/argentina-mossad-hezbollah-bombings.html; Mitchell Bard, “Terrorism: Bombings in Argentina,” Jewish Virtual Library, https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/terrorist-bombings-in-argentina.

According to media sources, Kassem had orchestrated the 1994 attack from a “safe house” in Foz du Iguazu, Brazil.Nicolas Pizzi, “Los jefes de la célula que planificó y ejecutó el atentado a la AMIA y el rol de Mohsen Rabbani,” Infobae, July 30, 2022, https://www.infobae.com/politica/2022/07/30/los-jefes-de-la-celula-que-planifico-y-ejecuto-el-atentado-a-la-amia-y-el-rol-de-mohsen-rabbani/. Kassem also oversaw all communication throughout every stage of the attack, up until suicide bomber Ibrahim Berro’s last moments. Following the attack, Kassem was reportedly responsible for updating his commanders in Lebanon—the U.S.-designated leader of the ESO, Talal Hamiyah, and Imad Mughniyeh.“Khaled Kassem,” Stop 910, https://stop910.com/en/node/643.html; Nicolas Pizzi, “Los jefes de la célula que planificó y ejecutó el atentado a la AMIA y el rol de Mohsen Rabbani,” Infobae, July 30, 2022, https://www.infobae.com/politica/2022/07/30/los-jefes-de-la-celula-que-planifico-y-ejecuto-el-atentado-a-la-amia-y-el-rol-de-mohsen-rabbani/.

Kassem serves as deputy leader to Hamiyah,“Rewards for Justice – Reward Offer for Information on Hizballah Key Leaders Talal Hamiyah and Fu’ad Shukr,” U.S. Embassy in Egypt, October 10, 2017,  https://eg.usembassy.gov/rewards-justice-reward-offer-information-hizballah-key-leaders-talal-hamiyah-fuad-shukr/. where he directs operations and logistics that include running security checks, spotting, recruiting operatives, basic training, and appointing roles and functions within the organization. Kassem reportedly travels to and maintains high-level correspondence with partners in Iran, specifically the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF).“Khaled Kassem,” Stop 910, https://stop910.com/en/node/643.html. The IRGC-QF specializes in foreign missions, providing training, funding, and weapons to extremist groups, including Iraqi insurgents, Hezbollah, and Hamas.

Mohammed al-Hindi is a U.S.-designated senior member of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and head of its political bureau.“Executive Order Amending Counter Terrorism Sanctions Authorities; Counter Terrorism Designations and Designations Updates; Iran-related Designation; Syria Designations Updates,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 10, 2019, https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20190910; “Mapping Palestinian Politics – Muhammad al-Hindi,” European Council on Foreign Relations, accessed May 16, 2023, https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/muhammad-al-hindi/.

PIJ elected Hindi as its deputy secretary-general in September 2018. The position had previously been held by Ziad al-Nakhalah, whom PIJ elected as its secretary-general.“Iran-backed Palestinian Islamic Jihad names new leader,” Associated Press, September 28, 2018, https://apnews.com/d14e7e6a4a68481980b6db8052853f03; “Palestinian Islamic Jihad chooses new leader, remains close to Iran,” Times of Israel, September 28, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinian-islamic-jihad-chooses-new-leader-remains-close-to-iran/. At that point Hindi had lived in Turkey for two years. PIJ elected Nakhalah as its secretary-general. Iran reportedly believed Hindi had close ties with the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, and feared he would sway PIJ toward a Brotherhood agenda and away from Iran. According to news reports, Iran preferred Hindi serve as deputy leader under Nakhalah.Ahmad Abu Amer, “Has Iran’s influence increased in Palestinian arena?” Al-Monitor, October 16, 2018, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/10/palestinian-islamic-jihad-elections-iran-influence.html. In March 2023, PIJ elected Hindi as a member of its political bureau.“Islamic Jihad members re-elect Ziad Nakhala as secretary-general,” Middle East Monitor, March 6, 2023, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230306-islamic-jihad-members-re-elect-ziad-nakhala-as-secretary-general/. He has since been reported as the head of the political bureau.“Mapping Palestinian Politics – Muhammad al-Hindi,” European Council on Foreign Relations, accessed May 16, 2023, https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/muhammad-al-hindi/.

As a top political leader and spokesman for PIJ, Hindi has a hard position against Israel while voicing support for PIJ’s so-called armed resistance. In January 2005, the Palestinian Authority (PA) began ceasefire talks with PIJ, Hamas, and other Palestinian militants to end the second intifada uprising, which had begun in 2000. Hindi told media PIJ would listen to what Abbas had to say, but “nothing can be given for free.”“Abbas gets one last chance as talks resume,” Irish Examiner (Cork), January 19, 2005, https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-30185462.html. In February, the PA reached a ceasefire agreement with Israel to end the second intifada. PIJ and Hamas agreed to the ceasefire that March. In June, however, Hindi threatened PIJ would withdraw from the ceasefire because of continued Israeli aggression.“Palestinian militants threaten to call off ceasefire,” Irish Examiner (Cork), June 13, 2005, https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-30206907.html. As Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with U.S. President George W. Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at a summit in Annapolis, Maryland, in November 2007, Palestinians held rallies across the West Bank and Gaza to protest the conference, meant to relaunch the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Hindi told one anti-Annapolis rally in Gaza Palestinians would make no concessions and would defend their land with blood.Nidal al-Mughrabi, “Abbas slammed as "traitor" at anti-Annapolis rallies,” Reuters, November 27, 2007, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-gaza/abbas-slammed-as-traitor-at-anti-annapolis-rallies-idUSL2757385120071127, Hindi has also accused the PA of being a tool of the “Israeli occupation.”“Islamic Jihad 'preparing for big battle' with Israel,” Middle East Monitor, November 23, 2022, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221123-islamic-jihad-preparing-for-big-battle-with-israel/. According to Hindi, Israel needs a strong PA and its security services to “guard the occupation state and maintain the security of its settlers.”“Islamic Jihad 'preparing for big battle' with Israel,” Middle East Monitor, November 23, 2022, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221123-islamic-jihad-preparing-for-big-battle-with-israel/.

Hindi has also mirrored PIJ’s anti-U.S. position. In April 2004, Palestinians held rallies to commemorate the first anniversary of the fall of Baghdad following the U.S. invasion of Iraq the year before. Hindi praised Iraqi militants fighting against the United States, claiming they are fighting the same battle.“Palestinians urge holy war in Iraq,” Irish Examiner (Cork), April 9, 2004, https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-30142171.html.

Hindi has repeatedly praised PIJ’s violent activities against Israel while calling on the Palestinian general population to support his group’s terrorist activities as part of a quest for freedom. In August 2022, Israel launched Operation Breaking Dawn against PIJ in the Gaza Strip. The operation began with the August 1 arrest of PIJ West Bank commander Bassem Saadi, along with his son-in-law and aide, Ashraf al-Jada, eliciting a volley of PIJ rockets into Gaza. During the ensuing conflict, PIJ fired at least 1,100 rockets over the course of three days while Israel launched 147 airstrikes in Gaza. Hindi called on Palestinian in the West Bank to launch a “popular resistance” against Israel.“Islamic Jihad calls for ‘popular resistance’ against Israel in West Bank,” Jerusalem Post, August 7, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-714093; “Fresh Israel-Palestinian Islamic Jihad truce prevents ‘full-scale war,’” U.N. News, August 8, 2022, https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/08/1124212; “As Gaza ceasefire holds, Israel lifts all security restrictions,” Times of Israel, August 8, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-starts-rolling-back-security-restrictions-as-gaza-ceasefire-holds/; Tia Goldenberg and Joseph Krauss, “Misfired rockets may have killed over a dozen in Gaza battle,” Associated Press, August 7, 2022, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-tel-aviv-403d37366347e0f2446e2f90a9b0d02f.

Between May 9 and May 14, 2023, Israel killed six senior PIJ leaders and struck 371 targets in Gaza. During that timeframe, PIJ launched more than 1,234 rockets, of which 221 fell inside Gaza. Israel intercepted approximately 373 rockets. Israel reported one fatality, while Palestinian sources report 34 Palestinian fatalities, including 15 civilians.Tovah Lazaroff, Khaled Abu Toameh, and Yonah Jeremy Bob, “IDF strikes Hamas posts in Gaza in response to renewed rocket fire,” Jerusalem Post, last updated May 14, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-742947. Hindi publicly claimed there was consensus between PIJ and Hamas in confronting Israel.“Al-Hindi: Attempts to drive a wedge between Resistance factions will fail,” Middle East Monitor, May 11, 2023, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230511-al-hindi-attempts-to-drive-a-wedge-between-resistance-factions-will-fail/. On May 11, he arrived in Cairo to represent PIJ in ceasefire talks. The Egyptian intelligence services had reportedly requested the presence of Nakhalah, but PIJ instead sent Hindi.“Islamic Jihad chief in Cairo as Gaza ceasefire efforts falter overnight,” New Arab, May 11, 2023, https://www.newarab.com/news/pij-chief-cairo-gaza-ceasefire-efforts-falter. A ceasefire went into effect late on May 13. On May 14, a rocket allegedly misfired from Gaza due to a technical error. Hindi claimed PIJ would maintain the ceasefire as long as Israel does.Tovah Lazaroff, Khaled Abu Toameh, and Yonah Jeremy Bob, “IDF strikes Hamas posts in Gaza in response to renewed rocket fire,” Jerusalem Post, last updated May 14, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-742947. Hindi praised Iran for its support during the conflict. He told the Iranian Mehr News Agency Israel had sought to restore deterrence by assassinating top PIJ leaders but had failed. He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “begging for a ceasefire.”“Israel raided Gaza to restore its hallucinatory deterrence,” Mehr News Agency, May 15, 2023, https://en.mehrnews.com/news/200763/Israel-raided-Gaza-to-restore-its-hallucinatory-deterrence.

Mohammed Abu al-Atta is a Gaza-based senior operative of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and a senior leader of PIJ’s rocket division.Tovah Lazaroff, Khaled Abu Toameh, and Yonah Jeremy Bob, “IDF strikes Hamas posts in Gaza in response to renewed rocket fire,” Jerusalem Post, last updated May 14, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-742947; “Rocket fire resumes after overnight lull as fighting in Gaza enters 5th day,” Ynet News, May 13, 2023, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryarly3e2.

On May 9, 2023, Israel launched Operation Shield and Arrow against PIJ in Gaza in response to more than 100 rockets PIJ fired the week before. Airstrikes killed PIJ commanders Jihad Ghannam, Tareq Izzeldeen, and Khalil Al-Bahtini in Gaza.Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Israel kills three Islamic Jihad leaders, 10 civilians in Gaza,” Reuters, May 9, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-jets-strike-islamic-jihad-targets-gaza-military-2023-05-08/; Yaakov Lapin, “‘Operation Shield and Arrow’ seeks to re-establish Israeli deterrence,” Jewish News Syndicate, May 9, 2023, https://www.jns.org/operation-shield-and-arrow-seeks-to-reestablish-israeli-deterrence/. PIJ responded by firing hundreds of rockets toward Israeli population centers, while Israel targeted PIJ leadership and infrastructure in Gaza. On May 13, Israel targeted Atta’s Gaza apartment building. Atta had reportedly left the building earlier to seek refuge in a hospital. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Atta used the apartment building as his operational headquarters. Israel had previously targeted and killed his brother, PIJ operative Bahaa Abu al-Atta, in November 2019.Tovah Lazaroff, Khaled Abu Toameh, and Yonah Jeremy Bob, “IDF strikes Hamas posts in Gaza in response to renewed rocket fire,” Jerusalem Post, last updated May 14, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-742947. According to the IDF, Bahaa Abu al-Atta was known for taking refuge in Gaza’s al-Shifa Hospital and continuing to run terrorist operations while using the hospital as a shield.“Rocket fire resumes after overnight lull as fighting in Gaza enters 5th day,” Ynet News, May 13, 2023, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryarly3e2.

Following the attack on Atta’s building, PIJ continued to fire dozens of rockets until an Egypt-negotiated ceasefire went into effect at 10 p.m. that night.Tovah Lazaroff, Khaled Abu Toameh, and Yonah Jeremy Bob, “IDF strikes Hamas posts in Gaza in response to renewed rocket fire,” Jerusalem Post, last updated May 14, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-742947; Fares Akram and Josef Federman, “Israel and Islamic Jihad agree on cease-fire to end 5 days of fighting,” Associated Press, May 14, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-gaza-conflict-militants-rockets-airstrikes-a495136841d4d74af008f5eb3a401066.

Ali Hassan Ghali was the head of the rocket unit of the Al-Quds Brigades of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Ghali co-founded the rocket unit. He reportedly had more than 20 years of experience with PIJ’s rockets. Israel killed Ghali in a targeted strike in Gaza on May 11, 2023, during a period of PIJ rocket attacks and Israeli retaliations. As of May 11, PIJ had fired at least 523 rockets toward Israel since May 9.Elliott Gotkine, Ibrahim Dahman, Abeer Salman, Richard Allen Greene, and Sana Noor Haq, “Israeli airstrikes kill Islamic Jihad’s rocket commander, militants group says,” CNN, May 11, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/middleeast/israel-gaza-idf-airstrikes-intl/index.html; Yonah Jeremy Bob, “Islamic Jihad operative responsible for Sderot rockets killed in IDF targeted attack,” Jerusalem Post, May 11, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-742748; Lahav Harkov, “Egypt intensifies ceasefire efforts, sending envoys to Israel,” Jerusalem Post, May 11, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-742742; Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams, “Israel kills senior Gaza commanders as rockets cause first death in Israel,” Reuters, May 11, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-kills-senior-gaza-commander-militants-fire-rockets-across-border-2023-05-11/.

On May 9, 2023, Israel launched Operation Shield and Arrow against PIJ in Gaza in response to the more than 100 rockets PIJ had fired the week before following the death in custody of PIJ spokesman Khader Adnan from a hunger strike. The May 9 airstrikes killed senior PIJ commanders Jihad Ghannam, Tareq Izzeldeen, and Khalil Al-Bahtini in Gaza.Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Israel kills three Islamic Jihad leaders, 10 civilians in Gaza,” Reuters, May 9, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-jets-strike-islamic-jihad-targets-gaza-military-2023-05-08/; Yaakov Lapin, “‘Operation Shield and Arrow’ seeks to re-establish Israeli deterrence,” Jewish News Syndicate, May 9, 2023, https://www.jns.org/operation-shield-and-arrow-seeks-to-reestablish-israeli-deterrence/. PIJ responded by launching more than 500 rockets toward Israeli towns.Lahav Harkov, “Egypt intensifies ceasefire efforts, sending envoys to Israel,” Jerusalem Post, May 11, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-742742; Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams, “Israel kills senior Gaza commanders as rockets cause first death in Israel,” Reuters, May 11, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-kills-senior-gaza-commander-militants-fire-rockets-across-border-2023-05-11/. Israel targeted Ghali in his sister’s apartment building in the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza in a pre-dawn strike on May 11. The strike also killed Ghali’s brother, Mahmoud Hasan Abu Ghali, and nephew, Mahmoud Walid Abdul-Jawad. Both were identified as members of PIJ. Ten other people were reportedly wounded as well. Israel accused Ghali of responsibility for hundreds of rockets launched toward the state the day before, as well as other recent attacks. After the strike, PIJ threatened to “expand the circle of fire.”“Ali Hassan Abu Ghali,” Israel-Palestine Timeline, accessed May 12, 2023, https://israelpalestinetimeline.org/ali-hassan-ghali/; Elisha Ben Kimon and Einav Halabi, “Commander of Islamic Jihad’s rocket forces assassinated in Israeli strike, IDF says,” Ynet News, May 11, 2023, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/by3vsecvh; Elliott Gotkine, Ibrahim Dahman, Abeer Salman, Amir Tal, Richard Allen Greene, and Sana Noor Haq, “Israel suffers first rocket death in clash with Islamic Jihad that has left at least 30 Palestinians dead,” CNN, May 12, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/middleeast/israel-gaza-idf-airstrikes-intl/index.html. PIJ described Ghali’s death as a “treacherous Zionist assassination.”“Rocket kills man in Israel as strikes target Gaza militant commanders,” BBC News, May 11, 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-65553728. Ghali took over as head of the Al-Quds Brigades rocket unit and joined its military council in 2019.Elliott Gotkine, Ibrahim Dahman, Abeer Salman, Amir Tal, Richard Allen Greene, and Sana Noor Haq, “Israel suffers first rocket death in clash with Islamic Jihad that has left at least 30 Palestinians dead,” CNN, May 12, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/middleeast/israel-gaza-idf-airstrikes-intl/index.html. Ghali succeeded Khaled Mansour, who became PIJ’s southern Gaza commander. Israel killed Mansour in an airstrike on August 6, 2022.Aurora Intel, Twitter post, May 10, 2023, 8:07 p.m., https://twitter.com/AuroraIntel/status/1656450922417905666; Emanuel Fabian, “Israel strikes and kills another top Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza,” Times of Israel, August 7, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-strikes-and-kills-another-top-islamic-jihad-commander-in-gaza/. According to PIJ, Ghali had survived multiple previous assassination attempts.Elliott Gotkine, Ibrahim Dahman, Abeer Salman, Amir Tal, Richard Allen Greene, and Sana Noor Haq, “Israel suffers first rocket death in clash with Islamic Jihad that has left at least 30 Palestinians dead,” CNN, May 12, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/middleeast/israel-gaza-idf-airstrikes-intl/index.html. The Israeli strike targeted Ghali at about 1 a.m. on May 11. At 4:30 p.m., a separate strike killed Ghali’s deputy, Ahmed Abu Daqa.Yonah Jeremy Bob, “Islamic Jihad operative responsible for Sderot rockets killed in IDF targeted attack,” Jerusalem Post, May 11, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-742748.

Parviz Absalan is the U.S.-designated deputy commander of the Salman Corps of Sistan and Baluchistan province of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Salman Corps were involved in the violent suppression of protests in Sistan and Baluchistan, which resulted in some of the highest casualties nationwide following the outbreak of protests in September 2022.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Iranian Officials Overseeing Violent Protest Suppression and Censorship,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 24, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1436. Absalan holds the rank of general. According to the European Union, security forces in Sistan and Baluchestan province used brutal violence against peaceful protesters during protests in the fall of 2022. The European Union determined Absalan is responsible for “serious human rights violations in Iran” as deputy head of the IRGC in Sistan and Baluchestan.Official Journal of the European Union, “COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2022/2231 of 14 November 2022 implementing Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran,” EUR-Lex, November 14, 2022, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022R2231&from=EN.

In September 2022, the IRGC joined in violently suppressing protests that erupted after the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained by Tehran’s morality police, the Guidance Patrol, earlier in the month. The Guidance Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later. In response, protests erupted across the country against Iran’s theocratic rule. The IRGC aided in suppressing the protests, leading to violent clashes with protesters. At least 522 protesters have been killed since the protests began.Arsalan Shahla, “Iran Launches Artillery Against Militants in Northern Iraq,” September 24, 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-24/iran-launches-artillery-against-militants-in-northern-iraq?leadSource=uverify%20wall; “IRGC will not hesitate to target origin of any anti-Iran operation wherever it may be: General,” Press TV, September 27, 2022, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/09/27/689915/IRGC-will-not-hesitate-target-origin-any-anti-Iran-operation-General; Caitlin McFall, “The Guardian Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later.,” Fox News, September 24, 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/world/protestors-clash-revolutionary-guard-northern-iran-torch-irgc-base-reports; “Iran’s Guards Break Their Silence, Warn Protesters,” Iran International, September 22, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202209229946; “Lebanon’s Hezbollah Helping Iran In Its Pro-Government Propaganda,” Iran International, October 9, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202210091141; Vivian Yee and Farnaz Fassihi, “Iran Has Abolished Morality Police, an Official Suggests, After Months of Protests,” New York Times, last updated December 5, 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/04/world/middleeast/iran-morality-police.html; Patrick Wintour and Maryam Foumani, “Iran: mass strike starts amid mixed messages around abolishment of morality police,” Guardian (London), December 5, 2022, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/05/iran-strike-abolishment-morality-police; Agence France-Presse, “At least 522 Have Died in Iran Protests, Human Rights Report Says,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, January15, 2023, https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-death-count-human-rights-report/32224340.html#:~:text=At%20least%20522%20people%20have,security%20forces%2C%20the%20agency%20reported.

Amanollah Goshtasbi is the deputy inspector of the Ground Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He previously served as commander of the IRGC’s Salman Corps, during which forces under his command are alleged to have opened fire on Baluch citizens on multiple occasions, leading to several deaths.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Iranian Officials Overseeing Violent Protest Suppression and Censorship,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 24, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1436.

In September 2022, the IRGC joined in violently suppressing protests that erupted after the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained by Tehran’s morality police, the Guidance Patrol, earlier in the month. The Guidance Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later. In response, protests erupted across the country against Iran’s theocratic rule. The IRGC aided in suppressing the protests, leading to violent clashes with protesters. At least 522 protesters have been killed since the protests began.Arsalan Shahla, “Iran Launches Artillery Against Militants in Northern Iraq,” September 24, 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-24/iran-launches-artillery-against-militants-in-northern-iraq?leadSource=uverify%20wall; “IRGC will not hesitate to target origin of any anti-Iran operation wherever it may be: General,” Press TV, September 27, 2022, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/09/27/689915/IRGC-will-not-hesitate-target-origin-any-anti-Iran-operation-General; Caitlin McFall, “The Guardian Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later.,” Fox News, September 24, 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/world/protestors-clash-revolutionary-guard-northern-iran-torch-irgc-base-reports; “Iran’s Guards Break Their Silence, Warn Protesters,” Iran International, September 22, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202209229946; “Lebanon’s Hezbollah Helping Iran In Its Pro-Government Propaganda,” Iran International, October 9, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202210091141; Vivian Yee and Farnaz Fassihi, “Iran Has Abolished Morality Police, an Official Suggests, After Months of Protests,” New York Times, last updated December 5, 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/04/world/middleeast/iran-morality-police.html; Patrick Wintour and Maryam Foumani, “Iran: mass strike starts amid mixed messages around abolishment of morality police,” Guardian (London), December 5, 2022, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/05/iran-strike-abolishment-morality-police; Agence France-Presse, “At least 522 Have Died in Iran Protests, Human Rights Report Says,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, January15, 2023, https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-death-count-human-rights-report/32224340.html#:~:text=At%20least%20522%20people%20have,security%20forces%2C%20the%20agency%20reported.

Ahmed Khadem Seyedoshohada is the internationally designated commander of the Karbala Operational Base of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He holds the rank of brigadier general.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Iranian Officials Overseeing Violent Protest Suppression and Censorship,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 24, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1436. The Karbala base in southwest Iran oversees IRGC forces in the provinces of Khusestan, Lorestan and Kohgiluyeh, and Boyer-Ahmad.Official Journal of the European Union, “COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2023/152 of 23 January 2023 Implementing Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran,” EUR-Lex, January 23, 2023, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.LI.2023.020.01.0001.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2023%3A020I%3ATOC%C2%A0.

In September 2022, the IRGC joined in violently suppressing protests that erupted after the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained by Tehran’s morality police, the Guidance Patrol, earlier in the month. The Guidance Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later. In response, protests erupted across the country against Iran’s theocratic rule. The IRGC aided in suppressing the protests, leading to violent clashes with protesters. At least 522 protesters have been killed since the protests began.Arsalan Shahla, “Iran Launches Artillery Against Militants in Northern Iraq,” September 24, 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-24/iran-launches-artillery-against-militants-in-northern-iraq?leadSource=uverify%20wall; “IRGC will not hesitate to target origin of any anti-Iran operation wherever it may be: General,” Press TV, September 27, 2022, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/09/27/689915/IRGC-will-not-hesitate-target-origin-any-anti-Iran-operation-General; Caitlin McFall, “The Guardian Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later.,” Fox News, September 24, 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/world/protestors-clash-revolutionary-guard-northern-iran-torch-irgc-base-reports; “Iran’s Guards Break Their Silence, Warn Protesters,” Iran International, September 22, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202209229946; “Lebanon’s Hezbollah Helping Iran In Its Pro-Government Propaganda,” Iran International, October 9, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202210091141; Vivian Yee and Farnaz Fassihi, “Iran Has Abolished Morality Police, an Official Suggests, After Months of Protests,” New York Times, last updated December 5, 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/04/world/middleeast/iran-morality-police.html; Patrick Wintour and Maryam Foumani, “Iran: mass strike starts amid mixed messages around abolishment of morality police,” Guardian (London), December 5, 2022, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/05/iran-strike-abolishment-morality-police; Agence France-Presse, “At least 522 Have Died in Iran Protests, Human Rights Report Says,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, January15, 2023, https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-death-count-human-rights-report/32224340.html#:~:text=At%20least%20522%20people%20have,security%20forces%2C%20the%20agency%20reported. According to the European Union, Karbala’s forces carried out operations against protesters in 2022 using disproportionate force and live ammunition against protesters, particularly in the Khusestan and Lorestan regions. The European Union accuses Seyedoshohada of responsibility for “serious human rights violations” and violence against protesters by IRGC troops under his command.Official Journal of the European Union, “COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2023/152 of 23 January 2023 Implementing Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran,” EUR-Lex, January 23, 2023, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.LI.2023.020.01.0001.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2023%3A020I%3ATOC%C2%A0. The United Kingdom accuses Seyedoshohada of complicity in the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as the right to not be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.“CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” HM Treasury, last updated April 24, 2023, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1152335/Iran__Human_Rights_.pdf.

Mehdi Alibabaei is the EU-designated IRGC provincial deputy in Iran’s Qom province, where he directs IRGC and Basij forces in the city of Qom.Official Journal of the European Union, “Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/846 of 24 April 2023 implementing Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran,” EUR-Lex, April 24, 2023, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.LI.2023.109.01.0015.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2023%3A109I%3ATOC. He holds the rank of major.“Iranian press review: IRGC take over new enforcement of hijab,” Middle East Eye, March 24, 2023, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-mps-irgc-new-measures-enforce-hijab-press-review. Alibabaei stands accused of overseeing widespread human rights abuses by IRGC forces under his command.Official Journal of the European Union, “Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/846 of 24 April 2023 implementing Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran,” EUR-Lex, April 24, 2023, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.LI.2023.109.01.0015.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2023%3A109I%3ATOC.

In September 2022, the IRGC joined in violently suppressing protests that erupted after the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained by Tehran’s morality police, the Guidance Patrol, earlier in the month. The Guidance Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later. In response, protests erupted across the country against Iran’s theocratic rule. The IRGC aided in suppressing the protests, leading to violent clashes with protesters. At least 522 protesters have been killed since the protests began.Arsalan Shahla, “Iran Launches Artillery Against Militants in Northern Iraq,” September 24, 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-24/iran-launches-artillery-against-militants-in-northern-iraq?leadSource=uverify%20wall; “IRGC will not hesitate to target origin of any anti-Iran operation wherever it may be: General,” Press TV, September 27, 2022, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/09/27/689915/IRGC-will-not-hesitate-target-origin-any-anti-Iran-operation-General; Caitlin McFall, “The Guardian Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later.,” Fox News, September 24, 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/world/protestors-clash-revolutionary-guard-northern-iran-torch-irgc-base-reports; “Iran’s Guards Break Their Silence, Warn Protesters,” Iran International, September 22, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202209229946; “Lebanon’s Hezbollah Helping Iran In Its Pro-Government Propaganda,” Iran International, October 9, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202210091141; Vivian Yee and Farnaz Fassihi, “Iran Has Abolished Morality Police, an Official Suggests, After Months of Protests,” New York Times, last updated December 5, 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/04/world/middleeast/iran-morality-police.html; Patrick Wintour and Maryam Foumani, “Iran: mass strike starts amid mixed messages around abolishment of morality police,” Guardian (London), December 5, 2022, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/05/iran-strike-abolishment-morality-police; Agence France-Presse, “At least 522 Have Died in Iran Protests, Human Rights Report Says,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, January15, 2023, https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-death-count-human-rights-report/32224340.html#:~:text=At%20least%20522%20people%20have,security%20forces%2C%20the%20agency%20reported.

In March 2023, Iranian media reported the IRGC’s Basij militia would deploy throughout Qom to enforce the mandatory hijab law. Alibabaei called the Basij deployment part of the promotion of “the hijab culture.”“Iranian press review: IRGC take over new enforcement of hijab,” Middle East Eye, March 24, 2023, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-mps-irgc-new-measures-enforce-hijab-press-review. Under Alibabaei, the new strategy would include neighborhood patrols by IRGC and Basij forces, who would use intelligence and intimidation to enforce the hijab law.Official Journal of the European Union,  “Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/846 of 24 April 2023 implementing Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran,” EUR-Lex, April 24, 2023, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.LI.2023.109.01.0015.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2023%3A109I%3ATOC. According to Iranian legislators, police and the Basij will use “social exclusion” instead of violence to enforce the hijab.“Iranian press review: IRGC take over new enforcement of hijab,” Middle East Eye, March 24, 2023, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-mps-irgc-new-measures-enforce-hijab-press-review. The European Union has denounced the Qom program as “a new level of denunciation and information gathering by the general population to oppress women.”Official Journal of the European Union,  “Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/846 of 24 April 2023 implementing Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran,” EUR-Lex, April 24, 2023, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.LI.2023.109.01.0015.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2023%3A109I%3ATOC.

The European Union accuses forces under Alibabaei’s command of violating fundamental rights of Iranian citizens. As Alibabaei oversees the IRGC and Basij in Qom, the European Union accuses him of responsibility for “serious human rights violations in Iran.”Official Journal of the European Union,  “Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/846 of 24 April 2023 implementing Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran,” EUR-Lex, April 24, 2023, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.LI.2023.109.01.0015.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2023%3A109I%3ATOC.