Abu Hamza al-Qurashi was the spokesman for ISIS. He began serving as spokesman in October 2019, making major announcements for the terror group.Rukmini Callimachi and Eric Schmitt, “Isis Names New Leader as It Confirms Al-Bagdadi’s death,” New York Times, October 31, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/31/world/middleeast/isis-al-baghdadi-dead.html; “Islamic State names its new leader as Abu Ibrahim al-Hashemi,” BBC News, October 31, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50254785. On March 10, 2022, ISIS released an audio recording confirming the death of Qurashi.“IS Names New Leader, Confirms Death Of Abu Ibrahim Al-Qurashi,” Agence France Presse, March 10, 2022, https://www.barrons.com/news/is-names-new-leader-confirms-death-of-abu-ibrahim-al-qurashi-01646930407?tesla=y.

Qurashi replaced former ISIS spokesman Abu Hasan al-Muhajir, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike in late October 2019 in Syria shortly after the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, “Baghdadi’s successor likely to be Iraqi religious scholar,” CNN, October 29, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/28/politics/isis-leadership-contender-al-mawla/index.html; Isabel Coles, Nazih Osseiran, and Jessica Donati, “Islamic State Spokesman Killed in U.S. Airstrike,” Wall Street Journal, October 28, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/islamic-state-spokesman-targeted-in-u-s-airstrike-say-kurds-11572268364; “Islamic State group names its new leader as Abu Ibrahim al-Hashemi,” BBC News, October 31, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50254785. On October 31, 2019, Qurashi announced Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi—a.k.a. Amir Muhammad Sa’id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla—as the new leader of ISIS. He declared that ISIS’s shura council had met quickly after Baghdadi’s death to select his replacement and called on Muslims to pledge allegiance to the new leader.Rukmini Callimachi and Eric Schmitt, “Isis Names New Leader as It Confirms Al-Bagdadi’s death,” New York Times, October 31, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/31/world/middleeast/isis-al-baghdadi-dead.html; “Islamic State names its new leader as Abu Ibrahim al-Hashemi,” BBC News, October 31, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50254785.

On January 27, 2020, Qurashi delivered an audio speech, distributed by ISIS’s al-Furqan Media, calling for ISIS’s followers around the world to travel to the nearest ISIS province and join a training camp. Qurashi called for the slaughter of “the Jews inside Palestine and outside of Palestine” and wherever they can be found. Qurashi further called on followers to increase strikes against ISIS’s enemies using snipers, IEDs, silencers, and boobytraps.“ISIS Spokesman Dismisses Trump’s Declarations Of Annihilating ISIS, Declares War On Israel: 'Oh Soldiers Of The Caliphate Everywhere... Go For The Israeli Settlements And Marketplaces; Turn Them Into Lands For Testing Your Weapons... Attack The Jews And Slaughter Them,’” MEMRI, January 27, 2020, https://www.memri.org/reports/isis-spokesman-dismisses-trumps-declarations-annihilating-isis-declares-war-israel-oh.

On May 28, 2020, Qurashi released a message extending greetings from Mawla and calling for ISIS’s followers to continue their war of attrition.Hassan Hassan, Twitter post, May 28, 2020, 11:38 a.m., https://twitter.com/hxhassan/status/1266031106253565958. Qurashi referred to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 as a divine punishment for the “crusaders” who are now facing the same misery ISIS has faced through lockdowns and bodies in the streets. Qurashi said the virus has distanced ISIS’s enemies and kept them occupied and promised “big changes in the region that’ll offer greater opportunities than” ISIS “previously had in the past decade.”Hassan Hassan, Twitter post, May 28, 2019, 10:54 a.m., https://twitter.com/hxhassan/status/1266019995659702273; Hassan Hassan, Twitter post, May 28, 2019, 11:01 a.m., https://twitter.com/hxhassan/status/1266021717169917959; Hassan Hassan, Twitter post, May 28, 2019, 11: 34 a.m., https://twitter.com/hxhassan/status/1266030188934115333.

Qurashi released an audio recording on October 18, 2020, through ISIS’s official Telegram channel calling for the overthrow of “tyrannical” Arab rulers. The statement was released in the midst of normalization agreements between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain with Israel. The move by the UAE and Bahrain promises complete normalization of diplomatic, commercial, security, and other relations with Israel in exchange for Jerusalem suspending annexation of occupied West Bank territory. Qurashi further called on ISIS operatives and supporters in Saudi Arabia and Africa to attack Western citizens and interests.“Spotlight on Global Jihad (October 15-21, 2020),” The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, October 22, 2020, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/spotlight-on-global-jihad-october-15-21-2020/; “In response to normalization … ISIS calls for attacks in the...,” Al Khaleej Today, October 19, 2020, https://alkhaleejtoday.co/saudi-arabia/5139962/In-response-to-normalization-%E2%80%A6-ISIS-calls-for-attacks-in-the.html; Jonathan Hoffman, “Why Gulf nations are normalizing ties with Israel,” Washington Post, September 24, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/09/24/why-gulf-nations-are-normalizing-ties-with-israel/; Peter Baker, Isabel Kershner, David D. Kirkpatrick and Ronen Bergman, “Israel and United Arab Emirates Strike Major Diplomatic Agreement,” August 13, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/13/us/politics/trump-israel-united-arab-emirates-uae.html.

On June 22, 2021, ISIS released an audio message attributed to Qurashi. In the message, ISIS renewed its threats against Sunni tribal fighters aligned with the Iraqi government saying Sunni fighters should “not deceive yourselves that you are safe and that our swords can’t reach you, but we are delaying raiding your houses in the hope you repent.”Sinan Mahmoud, “ISIS issues warning to Iraqi Sunnis but struggles to regroup,” The National, June 23, 2021, https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/isis-issues-warning-to-iraqi-sunnis-but-struggles-to-regroup-1.1247357. Qurashi also hailed militants in central and northern Iraq and called for the release of “prisoners of atheists and apostates.”Sinan Mahmoud, “ISIS issues warning to Iraqi Sunnis but struggles to regroup,” The National, June 23, 2021, https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/isis-issues-warning-to-iraqi-sunnis-but-struggles-to-regroup-1.1247357.

Arabic-speaking observers suspected Qurashi was Iraqi based on his dialect.Hassan Hassan, Twitter post, May 28, 2020, 2:03 p.m., https://twitter.com/hxhassan/status/1266067678642536449.

On March 10, 2022, ISIS released an audio recording confirming the death of Qurashi as well as leader Amir Muhammad Sa’id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla. According to the statement, the two were “killed in recent days.”“IS Names New Leader, Confirms Death Of Abu Ibrahim Al-Qurashi,” Agence France Presse, March 10, 2022, https://www.barrons.com/news/is-names-new-leader-confirms-death-of-abu-ibrahim-al-qurashi-01646930407?tesla=y.

Abu Omar al-Khorasani, also known as Zia ul-Haq, is an Afghan militant and reportedly ISIS’s leader in South Asia. He is a former leader of the terror group’s Khorasan Province (ISIS-K). Khorasani was arrested in Afghanistan in May 2020.“Afghanistan arrests regional Islamic State leader,” Reuters, May 11, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-islamicstate/afghanistan-arrests-regional-islamic-state-leader-idUSKBN22N1XQ?il=0.

Jihadists in Afghanistan and Pakistan pledged allegiance to ISIS in November 2014. ISIS accepted the pledge in January 2015, officially forming Wilayat Khorasan under the leadership of former Pakistani Taliban commander Hafiz Said Khan.“Islamic State moves in on al-Qaeda turf,” BBC News, June 25, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-31064300. Khorasani initially acted a spokesperson for the group, giving statements to news media on ISIS’s activities as well as commentary on the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. Khorasani described former U.S. President Barack Obama as moderate infidel with at least a little brain compared with U.S. President Donald Trump, a “complete maniac” whose hatred of Muslims would boost ISIS recruitment.Ahmad Sultan, “Islamic State say they have captured Afghanistan’s Tora Bora caves,” Reuters, June 15, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-islamic-state/islamic-state-say-they-have-captured-afghanistans-tora-bora-caves-idUSKBN1960Z6; Ahmad Sultan and Omar Fahmy, “Jihadists say Trump victory a rallying call for new recruits,” Reuters, November 14, 2016, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-jihadists/jihadists-say-trump-victory-a-rallying-call-for-new-recruits-idUSKBN1390FO.

ISIS-K’s leadership council appointed Khorasani the group’s fourth emir following the July 14, 2018, death of the group’s previous leader, Abu Sa’id Bajauri.“Letter dated 15 January 2019 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations, January 15, 2019, https://www.un.org/sc/ctc/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/N1846950_EN.pdf. According to a January 2019 report to the U.N. Security Council, ISIS-K maintained close relations with ISIS core in Syria and Iraq.“Letter dated 15 January 2019 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations, January 15, 2019, https://www.un.org/sc/ctc/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/N1846950_EN.pdf. In April 2019, an ISIS core delegation demoted Khorasani during a visit to ISIS-K. According to a U.N. investigation, Khorasani was replaced because of his “poor performance” related to ISIS’s “setbacks” in Afghanistan’s Nanghahar province in the second half of 2018.“Letter dated 15 July 2019 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations, July 15, 2019, https://undocs.org/S/2019/570. Khorasani was replaced by Mawlawi Abdullah, a.k.a. Mawlawi Aslam Farooqi, who was previously in charge of operations in the Khyber Agency.“Letter dated 15 July 2019 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations, July 15, 2019, https://undocs.org/S/2019/570. ISIS restructured the Khorasan Province in May 2019 when it announced the creation of separate Pakistani and Indian provinces.Ayaz Gul, “Islamic State Announces ‘Pakistan Province,’” Voice of America, May 15, 2019, https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/islamic-state-announces-pakistan-province. The United States designated ISIS-K in January 2016.“Foreign Terrorist Organization Designation of ISIL – Khorasan (ISIL-K),” U.S. Department of State, January 14, 2016, https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/01/251237.htm. The U.N. Security Council designated the ISIS-K in May 2019.“The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan (ISIL - K),” United Nations, May 14, 2019, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/islamic-state-iraq-and-levant-khorasan-isil-k.

Afghan forces arrested Farooqi in April 2020 in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.“‘Key’ Daesh Leaders Arrested in Kabul: NDS,” TOLO News, May 11, 2020, https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/key-daesh-leaders-arrested-kabul-nds. On May 11, 2020, Afghanistan’s General Directorate of National Security (NDS) and Interior Ministry announced that Khorasani had been arrested in Kabul. The NDS referred to Khorasani as ISIS’s leader in South Asia, though it is unclear when he rose to that position after his 2019 demotion. Khorasani was arrested alongside ISIS South Asia’s public relations officer and intelligence chief.“Afghanistan arrests regional Islamic State leader,” Reuters, May 11, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-islamicstate/afghanistan-arrests-regional-islamic-state-leader-idUSKBN22N1XQ?il=0.

Stanislav Anatolyevich Vorobyev is a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the U.S. Department of State and is the founder and one of the leaders of the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization responsible for providing paramilitary-style training to neo-Nazis and white supremacists.“Designation of the Russian Imperial Movement,” U.S. Department of State, April 6, 2020, https://www.state.gov/designation-of-the-russian-imperial-movement/.

Vorobyev reportedly founded the RIM in 2002.Bill Gertz, “State Department targets Russian group for links to U.S. white nationalists,” Washington Times, April 6, 2020, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/apr/6/state-department-targets-russian-group-links-us-wh/. RIM seeks to create a “mono-ethnic state” led by a “Russian autocratic monarchy,” preferably descended from the Romanov dynasty that led Russia before the 1917 revolution.J. Lester Feder, Edgar Mannheimer, Jane Lytvynenko, “These Swedish Nazis Trained In Russia Before Bombing A Center For Asylum Seekers,” BuzzFeed News, July 22, 2017, https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/lesterfeder/these-swedish-nazis-trained-in-russia#.jmj8rBGYv. Although the group is not sponsored by the Russian state, RIM has allegedly recruited and trained Russian fighters for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.Humeyra Pamuk, “U.S. designates Russian ultra-nationalist group as terrorist organization,” Reuters, April 6, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-russia-designation/u-s-designates-russian-nationalist-group-as-terrorist-organization-u-s-official-idUSKBN21O1UQ.; Charlie Savage, Adam Goldman and Eric Schmitt, “U.S. Will Give Terrorist Label to White Supremacist Group for First Time,” New York Times, April 6, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/us/politics/terrorist-label-white-supremacy-Russian-Imperial-Movement.html. RIM’s training network includes two facilities in St. Petersburg, one called Partizan, which are allegedly used to train people for “global chaos” through training in woodland and urban assault, tactical weapons, and hand-to-hand combat training.“United States Designates Russian Imperial Movement and Leaders as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of State, April 7, 2020, https://www.state.gov/united-states-designates-russian-imperial-movement-and-leaders-as-global-terrorists/.

Additionally, the RIM has supported the efforts of neo-Nazi organizations in Scandinavia.“U.S. Will Give Terrorist Label to White Supremacist Group for First Time,” New York Times, April 6, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/us/politics/terrorist-label-white-supremacy-Russian-Imperial-Movement.html. In late 2016 and early 2017, three members of the extreme right-wing Nordic Resistance Movement carried out a series of bombings in Sweden. Two of the perpetrators, Viktor Melin and Anton Thulin, had previously attended Partizan and Swedish officials believe it aided in their radicalization.J. Lester Feder, Edgar Mannheimer, Jane Lytvynenko, “These Swedish Nazis Trained In Russia Before Bombing A Center For Asylum Seekers,” BuzzFeed News, July 22, 2017, https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/lesterfeder/these-swedish-nazis-trained-in-russia#.jmj8rBGYv.

The group’s official website, Rusimperia.info, is now defunct, however, another website Rusimperia.org, features similar posts, calling on Russians to organize and march together to liberate Russia for the restoration of the monarchy. One such event has been planned for November, 4, 2020.“Russian Empire,” Russian Empire Independent Russian News, https://rusimperia.org/.; “RUSSIAN MARCH NOVEMBER 4 !!! COLLECTION AT M. OCTOBER FIELD !!!,” Russian Empire Independent Russian News, https://russkiymarsh.org/.

On April 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Stated designated Vorobyev as an SDGT for being one of the RIM’s leaders and for providing training for acts of terrorism that threaten the national security and foreign policy of the United States. The designation is the first time the U.S. government has listed a white supremacist group.“United States Designates Russian Imperial Movement and Leaders as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of State, April 7, 2020, https://www.state.gov/united-states-designates-russian-imperial-movement-and-leaders-as-global-terrorists/.

Nikolay Nikolayevich Trushchalov is a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the U.S. Department of State and the coordinator for external relations for the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization responsible for providing paramilitary-style training to neo-Nazis and white supremacists.“Designation of the Russian Imperial Movement,” U.S. Department of State, April 6, 2020, https://www.state.gov/designation-of-the-russian-imperial-movement/.

RIM seeks to create a “mono-ethnic state” led by a “Russian autocratic monarchy,” preferably descended from the Romanov dynasty that led Russia before the 1917 revolution.J. Lester Feder, Edgar Mannheimer, Jane Lytvynenko, “These Swedish Nazis Trained In Russia Before Bombing A Center For Asylum Seekers,” BuzzFeed News, July 22, 2017, https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/lesterfeder/these-swedish-nazis-trained-in-russia#.jmj8rBGYv. Although the group is not sponsored by the Russian state, the RIM has allegedly recruited and trained Russian fighters for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.Humeyra Pamuk, “U.S. designates Russian ultra-nationalist group as terrorist organization,” Reuters, April 6, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-russia-designation/u-s-designates-russian-nationalist-group-as-terrorist-organization-u-s-official-idUSKBN21O1UQ.; Charlie Savage, Adam Goldman and Eric Schmitt, “U.S. Will Give Terrorist Label to White Supremacist Group for First Time,” New York Times, April 6, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/us/politics/terrorist-label-white-supremacy-Russian-Imperial-Movement.html. The RIM’s training network includes two facilities in St. Petersburg, one called Partizan, which are allegedly used to prepare people for “global chaos” through training in woodland and urban assault, tactical weapons, and hand-to-hand combat training.“United States Designates Russian Imperial Movement and Leaders as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of State, April 7, 2020, https://www.state.gov/united-states-designates-russian-imperial-movement-and-leaders-as-global-terrorists/.

Additionally, the RIM has supported the efforts of neo-Nazi organizations in Scandinavia.“U.S. Will Give Terrorist Label to White Supremacist Group for First Time,” New York Times, April 6, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/us/politics/terrorist-label-white-supremacy-Russian-Imperial-Movement.html. In late 2016 and early 2017, three members of the extreme right-wing Nordic Resistance Movement carried out a series of bombings in Sweden. Two of the perpetrators, Viktor Melin and Anton Thulin, had previously attended Partizan and Swedish officials believe it aided in their radicalization.J. Lester Feder, Edgar Mannheimer, Jane Lytvynenko, “These Swedish Nazis Trained In Russia Before Bombing A Center For Asylum Seekers,” BuzzFeed News, July 22, 2017, https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/lesterfeder/these-swedish-nazis-trained-in-russia#.jmj8rBGYv.

The group’s official website, Rusimperia.info, is now defunct, however, another website Rusimperia.org, features similar posts, calling on Russians to organize and march together to liberate Russia for the restoration of the monarchy. One such event has been planned for November, 4, 2020.“Russian Empire,” Russian Empire Independent Russian News, https://rusimperia.org/.; “RUSSIAN MARCH NOVEMBER 4 !!! COLLECTION AT M. OCTOBER FIELD !!!,” Russian Empire Independent Russian News, https://russkiymarsh.org/.

On April 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Stated designated Trushchalov as an SDGT for being one of the RIM’s leaders and for providing training for acts of terrorism that threaten the national security and foreign policy of the United States. The designation is the first time the U.S. government has listed a white supremacist group.“United States Designates Russian Imperial Movement and Leaders as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of State, April 7, 2020, https://www.state.gov/united-states-designates-russian-imperial-movement-and-leaders-as-global-terrorists/.

Abu Fadak Al-Mohammedawi is the chief of staff of Iraq’s Shiite-led Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), or Hashd al-Shaabi, an umbrella group for the Iran-backed Iraqi militias.“Iraq: PMF Names Muhandis’ Successor,” Asharq Al-Awsat, February 22, 2020, https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2144071/iraq-pmf-names-muhandis%E2%80%99-successor. Prior to his appointment, Mohammedawi served as the secretary-general of Iran-backed Iraqi Shiite militia Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH), one of the units of the PMF.“Iraq’s PMF appoints new deputy head as successor to Al-Muhandis,” Middle East Monitor, February 21, 2020, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200221-iraqs-pmf-appoints-new-deputy-head-as-successor-to-al-muhandis/. The PMF has also grown into a powerful political force in Iraq as members of the umbrella group hold the most seats in Iraqi parliament.“AP Explains: Who are Iraq’s Iran-backed militias?,” Associated Press, December 31, 2019, https://apnews.com/57a346b17d6da07ae732ba1437520fd2.

Mohammedawi, whose real name is Abd al-Aziz Malluh Mirjirash al-Muhammadawi, entered the Iraqi paramilitary scene in the 1980s, when he served as an aide to Hadi Amri, the head of the Badr Organization. Mohammedawi was assigned intelligence tasks, and during this time, became close to Major General Qassem Soleimani, the former head of Iran’s Quds Force, who was later killed in a U.S. led airstrike on January 3, 2020.“Iran-related Designations and Designations Updates; Counter Terrorism Designation,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 13, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20210113; “Iraq: PMF Names Muhandis’ Successor,” Asharq Al-Awsat, February 22, 2020, https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2144071/iraq-pmf-names-muhandis%E2%80%99-successor.; Julian Berger and Martin Chulov, “US kills Iran general Qassem Suleimani in strike ordered by Trump,” Guardian, January 3, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/03/baghdad-airport-iraq-attack-deaths-iran-us-tensions.

It is suspected that Mohammedawi joined KH in 1997, and quickly became a part of its inner core in carrying out operations against Saddam Hussein’s government.Suadad al-Salhy, “Iran and Najaf struggle for control over Hashd al-Shaabi after Muhandis's killing,” Middle East Eye, February 16, 2020, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-and-najaf-struggle-control-over-hashd-al-shaabi-after-muhandis-killing. Mohammedawi made a name for himself throughout KH due to his military capability and his ability to work well with other militias throughout the PMF.“Iraq’s Shia Militias Name Successor to Official Slain in US Strike Alongside Soleimani – Reports,” Sputnik News, February 21, 2020, https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202002211078372097-iraqs-shia-militias-name-successor-to-official-slain-in-us-strike-alongside-soleimani---reports/. Additionally, it is suspected the Mohammedawi commanded the militia’s forces in the fight against ISIS in both Iraq and Syria.“Iraq’s Shia Militias Name Successor to Official Slain in US Strike Alongside Soleimani – Reports,” Sputnik News, February 21, 2020, https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202002211078372097-iraqs-shia-militias-name-successor-to-official-slain-in-us-strike-alongside-soleimani---reports/.; “Successor to killed Iraq militia chief Al Muhandis named,” The National, February 21, 2020, https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/successor-to-killed-iraq-militia-chief-al-muhandis-named-1.982433.

According to Al Arabiya, Mohammadawi briefly left KH due to an issue regarding a ransom payout following KH’s kidnapping of Qatari hunters in 2015. However, following orders from Soleimani in October of 2019, Mohammadawi returned to KH, presumably under the role of secretary-general.“Meet ‘the uncle’ Abu Fadak, the new head of Iran-backed PMU militias in Iraq,” Al-Arabiya, February 22, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2020/02/22/Who-is-Abu-Fadak-the-uncle-al-Mohammadawi-the-new-head-of-PMU-militias-.html. There is speculation that Mohammedawi was linked to the December 2019 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, as the phrase “the uncle passed through here,” was found on the embassy’s walls. Mohammedawi is often called “uncle” among his associates.“Meet ‘the uncle’ Abu Fadak, the new head of Iran-backed PMU militias in Iraq,” Al-Arabiya, February 22, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2020/02/22/Who-is-Abu-Fadak-the-uncle-al-Mohammadawi-the-new-head-of-PMU-militias-.html. Additionally, Iraqi activists consider Mohammedawi as being responsible for attacks against protesters on the Sinak Bridge and al-Khilani Square on December 7, 2019.“Meet ‘the uncle’ Abu Fadak, the new head of Iran-backed PMU militias in Iraq,” Al-Arabiya, February 22, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2020/02/22/Who-is-Abu-Fadak-the-uncle-al-Mohammadawi-the-new-head-of-PMU-militias-.html.; Falih Hassan and Alissa J. Rubin, “Protesters Killed and Cleric’s House Bombed in Deepening Iraqi Chaos,” New York Times, December 7, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/07/world/middleeast/iraq-al-Sadr-bombed.html.

Following the death of KH’s commander and former PMF’s deputy chairman, Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi a.k.a. Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, by the same U.S.-led airstrike that killed Soleimani, PMF restructured the group’s leadership. The position of deputy chairman was replaced by chief of staff. After weeks of negotiations among PMF officials, on February 21, 2020, Mohammedawi was appointed as the new chief of staff.“Iraq: PMF Names Muhandis’ Successor,” Asharq Al-Awsat, February 22, 2020, https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2144071/iraq-pmf-names-muhandis%E2%80%99-successor. Mohammedawi was a close associate of Ibrahimi. He is a follower of vilayat-e faqih, or guardianship of the jurist, the Khomeinist doctrine that calls for a single religious cleric to lead the government. Additionally, sources claim that Mohammedawi “does not move without a fatwa.”Suadad al-Salhy, “Iran and Najaf struggle for control over Hashd al-Shaabi after Muhandis's killing,” Middle East Eye, February 16, 2020, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-and-najaf-struggle-control-over-hashd-al-shaabi-after-muhandis-killing.

On February 10, 2023, Mohammedawi met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo. Details of the talks were limited, but the Institute for the Study of War noted that it may have been a sign that Iran and its proxies could be establishing military efforts in northern Syria.Zachary Coles, Annika Ganzeveld, Nicholas Carl, and Frederick W. Kagan, “Iran Update, February 16, 2023,” Institute for the Study of War, February 16, 2023, https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-february-16-2023. A leaked U.S. intelligence document reviewed by the Washington Post in May 2023 also claimed that Iran and its proxies were reportedly able to target U.S. troops in Syria through the smuggling of weapons and ammunition through humanitarian aid earmarked for the region following a disastrous earthquake that killed tens of thousands in February 2024. The classified report reportedly implicated Mohammedawi in the scheme.Alex Horton, Mustafa Salim and Steve Hendrix, “Iran hid weapons among earthquake aid to target U.S. troops, leak says,” Washington Post, May 7, 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/05/07/iran-syria-weapons-leaked-documents/.

A year later, on January 28, 2024, militants from the Islamic Resistance of Iraq (IRI)—an umbrella group comprising multiple Iran-backed Shiite militias—launched a drone strike on Tower 22, a U.S. outpost in Jordan. On January 30, KH announced it would suspend military and security operations against U.S. forces to “prevent embarrassment of the Iraqi government.”Timour Azhari, “Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah says it suspends attacks on US forces,” Reuters, January 30, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iraqs-kataib-hezbollah-suspends-military-operations-us-forces-statement-2024-01-30/. In response, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby claimed that KH supported the militants who carried out the attack and dismissed KH’s claims of suspended operations, stating the group cannot be taken at face value.Natasha Bertrand, Oren Liebermann and Haley Britzky, “Drone that killed US soldiers in Jordan followed American drone onto base, causing confusion,” CNN, January 29, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/29/politics/us-soldiers-deaths-jordan/index.html; Jon Gambrell, Aamer Madhani, and Zeke Miller, “US pins blame for deadly drone strike on Iran-backed militias in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” Associated Press, January 31, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-us-navy-mideast-tensions-israel-hamas-red-sea-6d5662d09aad8aed0875025b75928ef5; Jane Arraf, “Who are the Iranian-backed militias attacking U.S. forces in Jordan, “Who are the Iranian-backed militias attacking U.S. forces in Jordan,” NPR, January 29, 2024, https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1227695808/who-are-the-iranian-backed-militias-attacking-u-s-forces-in-jordan; Dan Sabbagh, “Jordan drone strike: who are Islamic Resistance in Iraq and what is Tower 22?,” Guardian (London), January 29, 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/29/jordan-drone-strike-who-are-islamic-resistance-in-iraq-and-what-is-tower-22; C. Todd Lopez, “3 U.S. Service Members Killed, Others Injured in Jordan Following Drone Attack,” U.S. Department of Defense, January 29, 2024, https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3659809/3-us-service-members-killed-others-injured-in-jordan-following-drone-attack/. Given Mohammedawi’s position as PMU chief of staff, the periodical the Hill noted that it is likely he ordered the attack on Tower 22.Jonathan Sweet and Mark Toth, “Biden should know by now why his message to Iran isn’t getting through,” Hill, February 8, 2024, https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/4454113-biden-should-know-by-now-why-his-message-to-iran-isnt-getting-through/.

The attack on Tower 22 occurred in the midst of the Hamas-Israel war, which was launched in October 2023 after Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. Since then, Mohammedawi has been vocal on the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip. During a Quds Day march in Tehran on April 5, 2024, Mohammedawi appeared alongside Ziad al-Nakhalah, head of the terrorist group Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and stated that the “PMF is a fundamental part of the battle in Gaza and Palestine.”Amir al-Kaabi, Hamdi Malik, Michael Knights, “Iraqi PMF Chief of Staff Commits to Fulfill Iranian Supreme Leader's Plans,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, April 8, 2024, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/iraqi-pmf-chief-staff-commits-fulfill-iranian-supreme-leaders-plans.

Kaleb Cole is an alleged member of the Atomwaffen Division, a neo-Nazi group that grew out of a white supremacist forum called Iron March in 2016.“Atomwaffen Division (AWD),” Anti-Defamation League, https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounders/atomwaffen-division-awd. Cole was arrested in Montgomery, Texas on February 26, 2020 on a conspiracy charge accusing him of sending threatening mail and cyberstalking.Mike Baker, Adam Goldman and Neil MacFarquhar, “White Supremacists Targeted Journalists and a Trump Official, F.B.I. Says,” New York Times, February 26, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/26/us/atomwaffen-division-arrests.html; “Arrests in four states of racially motivated violent extremists targeting journalists and activists,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 26, 2020, https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/arrests-four-states-racially-motivated-violent-extremists-targeting-journalists-and. He was convicted in January 2022 for his role in a plot to threaten and intimidate journalists and advocates who worked to expose antisemitism.“Leader of Neo-Nazi Group Sentenced for Plot to Target Journalists and Advocates,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 11, 2022, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/leader-neo-nazi-group-sentenced-plot-target-journalists-and-advocates.

According to reports, Cole was the former leader of Atomwaffen Division’s chapter in Washington.Ali Winston, “Atomwaffen Division’s Washington State Cell Leader Stripped of Arsenal in U.S., Banned from Canada,” The Daily Beast, October 19, 2020, https://www.thedailybeast.com/kaleb-james-cole-atomwaffen-divisions-washington-state-leader-stripped-of-arsenal-in-us-banned-from-canada. Atomwaffen Division describes itself as a revolutionary socialist organization centered on political activism seeking to put an end to the “cultural and racial displacement of the white race.”“Atomwaffen Division (AWD),” Anti-Defamation League, https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounders/atomwaffen-division-awd.

Cole came to the attention of Anacortes authorities in Washington in 2012 for allegedly harassing a Jewish grocery store owner by waving a Nazi flag outside the business, and Bellingham, Washington police after a report that he had neo-Nazi flags and memorabilia in his home in 2015.Asia Fields, “Neo-Nazi suspect, tied to Arlington, charged with gun crime,” Seattle Times, December 18, 2019, https://www.heraldnet.com/news/neo-nazi-suspect-tied-to-arlington-charged-with-gun-crime/.

In January 2018, Cole helped organize Atomwaffen Division’s three-day Hate Camp, called “Death Valley Hate Camp,” in Nevada. At least 10 members from different states attended. According to reports, Cole told attendees to “Bring your uniform, rifle/sidearm, and whatever camping gear you need.”A.C. Thompson, Ali Winston, and Jake Hanrahan, “Inside Atomwaffen As It Celebrates a Member for Allegedly Killing a Gay Jewish College Student,” ProPublica, February 23, 2018, https://www.propublica.org/article/atomwaffen-division-inside-white-hate-group.

At the end of 2018, Cole embarked on a 25-day trip throughout Eastern Europe, where he claimed to see historical sites. Upon his arrival to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, federal officials questioned him and searched his luggage, finding the trefoil flag of a neo-Nazi hate group and photos of Atomwaffen Division members performing the Nazi salute in front of Auschwitz concentration camp. Despite Cole identifying himself as a member of Atomwaffen Division, authorities failed to charge him that day.Mike Baker, “Police Seize Guns From Man Thought to Be Neo-Nazi Leader,” New York Times, October 17, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/17/us/atomwaffen-kaleb-cole.html.

Under the red-flag law, Seattle authorities filed a petition to seize a cache of weapons from Cole on September 26, 2019. The red-flag law allows law enforcement or civilians to get a court order to confiscate weapons when there is evidence that people are at high risk of harming themselves or others. Cole did not show up for the subsequent hearing.Mike Baker, “Police Seize Guns From Man Thought to Be Neo-Nazi Leader,” New York Times, October 17, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/17/us/atomwaffen-kaleb-cole.html. On December 16, 2019, King County prosecutors charged Cole with unlawful possession of a firearm. A warrant was issued for his address, but the warrant was nonextraditable, meaning Cole could only be arrested in Washington. However, Cole’s whereabouts were unknown at the time.Asia Fields, “Neo-Nazi suspect, tied to Arlington, charged with gun crime,” Seattle Times, December 18, 2019, https://www.heraldnet.com/news/neo-nazi-suspect-tied-to-arlington-charged-with-gun-crime/.

Cole and Cameron Shea, an alleged high-ranking recruiter for Atomwaffen Division’s Washington chapter, were the primary organizers of an operation they called Erste Saule. Translated to “first pillar” in German, Shea described the operation as a way to target “journalists houses and media buildings to send a clear message.”Mike Baker, Adam Goldman and Neil MacFarquhar, “White Supremacists Targeted Journalists and a Trump Official, F.B.I. Says,” New York Times, February 26, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/26/us/atomwaffen-division-arrests.html. Primarily seeking to target black or Jewish journalists, Shea and Cole sought to make their victims feel “terrorized.” According to the charges, Cole suggested buying rag dolls and sticking knives through their heads and leaving them at the locations of their targets.Mike Carter, “FBI arrests ‘violent extremists’ after threatening posters sent to minorities, journalist,” Seattle Times, February 26, 2020, https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/nation/fbi-arrests-violent-extremists-after-threatening-posters-sent-to-minorities/article_8ce505b3-a230-588c-be0c-c5ef1a543723.html.

In carrying out Operation Erste Saule, which is expected to have been initiated on or around January 25, 2020, Cole and Shea created a variety of posters that included offensive imagery and threatening language that was to be delivered or mailed to their targets. Imagery included Nazi symbols and masked figures with guns and Molotov cocktails. Targets included a broadcast journalist in Seattle and two people associated with the Anti-Defamation League, an anti-hate organization with a mission to protect the Jewish community. The targets were chosen in retaliation for reporting and exposing information on Atomwaffen Division.Mike Baker, “Police Seize Guns From Man Thought to Be Neo-Nazi Leader,” New York Times, October 17, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/17/us/atomwaffen-kaleb-cole.html.

On February 26, 2020, federal authorities arrested Cole and three other members of Atomwaffen Division. Each were charged with a single count of conspiracy to mail threatening communications and commit cyberstalking, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Cole was arrested in Montgomery, Texas, but is to be tried in Seattle.Mike Carter, “FBI arrests ‘violent extremists’ after threatening posters sent to minorities, journalist,” Seattle Times, February 26, 2020, https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/nation/fbi-arrests-violent-extremists-after-threatening-posters-sent-to-minorities/article_8ce505b3-a230-588c-be0c-c5ef1a543723.html. In April 2021, Cole pleaded not guilty to the charges.“Neo-Nazi pleads guilty in journalist threat case,” Associated Press, April 7, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/conspiracy-journalists-seattle-1e5606dab4b7be262c491c50272576a7. He was convicted on January 11, 2022, of one count of interfering with a federally protected activity because of religion, three counts of mailing threatening communications, and one count of conspiring with other AWD members to commit three offenses against the United States—interference with federally protected activities because of religion, mailing threatening communications, and cyberstalking. Cole was sentenced to seven years in prison.“Leader of Neo-Nazi Group Sentenced for Plot to Target Journalists and Advocates,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 11, 2022, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/leader-neo-nazi-group-sentenced-plot-target-journalists-and-advocates.

John Cameron Denton is an alleged member of the Atomwaffen Division, a neo-Nazi group that grew out of a white supremacist forum called Iron March in 2016.“Atomwaffen Division (AWD),” Anti-Defamation League, https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounders/atomwaffen-division-awd. Denton was arrested on February 26, 2020, on charges related to his alleged role in multiple swatting conspiracies in Virginia.Andres Triay, Clare Hymes And Stefan Becket, “Feds arrest alleged neo-Nazi for ‘swatting’ scheme that targeted Cabinet member,” CBS News, February 26, 2020, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-cameron-denton-alleged-neo-nazi-arrested-swatting-scheme-cabinet-member/; “Former Atomwaffen Division Leader Arrested for Swatting Conspiracy,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 26, 2020, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/former-atomwaffen-division-leader-arrested-swatting-conspiracy. After pleading guilty, Denton was sentenced in May 2021 to more than three years in prison.“Former Atomwaffen Division Leader Sentenced for Swatting Conspiracy,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 4, 2021, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/former-atomwaffen-division-leader-sentenced-swatting-conspiracy.

According to the Department of Justice, Denton was the former leader of Atomwaffen Division’s chapter in Texas.“Former Atomwaffen Division Leader Arrested for Swatting Conspiracy,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 26, 2020, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/former-atomwaffen-division-leader-arrested-swatting-conspiracy; Andres Triay, Clare Hymes And Stefan Becket, “Feds arrest alleged neo-Nazi for ‘swatting’ scheme that targeted Cabinet member,” CBS News, February 26, 2020, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-cameron-denton-alleged-neo-nazi-arrested-swatting-scheme-cabinet-member/. Atomwaffen Division describes itself as a revolutionary socialist organization centered on political activism seeking to put an end to the “cultural and racial displacement of the white race.”“Atomwaffen Division (AWD),” Anti-Defamation League, https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounders/atomwaffen-division-awd. Atomwaffen is inspired by the book Siege, written by American neo-Nazi James Mason. In the book, Mason calls for the creation of autonomous terror cells to bring about a race war and the downfall of the U.S. government.Ben Makuch, “Audio Recording Claims Neo-Nazi Terror Group Is Disbanding,” Vice, March 14, 2020, https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/qjdnam/audio-recording-claims-neo-nazi-terror-group-is-disbanding. Denton has claimed to own the distribution rights to Siege and Mason’s other writings.Alexander Epp and Roman Höfner, “The Hate Network,” Der Spiegel, August 25, 2018, http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/index-2018-35.html.

Along with other members of Atomwaffen, Denton is allegedly responsible for swatting calls to over 134 different law enforcement agencies. “Swatting” is a harassment tactic that involves misleading dispatchers with information on an imminent threat in a specific location, leading authorities to respond in full force, including a SWAT team response.Mike Baker, Adam Goldman and Neil MacFarquhar, “White Supremacists Targeted Journalists and a Trump Official, F.B.I. Says,” February 26, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/26/us/atomwaffen-division-arrests.html; Rachel Weiner, “DOJ says neo-Nazi group used ‘swatting’ to target officials, journalists, church,” Washington Post, January 10, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/doj-says-neo-nazi-group-used-swatting-to-target-officials-journalists-church/2020/01/10/e9692346-33b5-11ea-91fd-82d4e04a3fac_story.html. Investigators claim that the swatting ring used the dark web as well as masking technology to make their IP addresses and their phone numbers undetectable.Neil Vigdor, “Man Accused of Making ‘Swatting’ Threats With White Supremacists,” New York Times, January 15, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/15/us/black-church-bomb-threats-virginia.html.

According to court documents, Denton allegedly participated in conducting three swatting calls in Virginia. His targets included Kirstjen Nielsen, then the secretary of homeland security on January 27, 2019, Old Dominion University on November 29, 2018, and Alfred Street Baptist Church on November 3, 2018.“Former Atomwaffen Division Leader Arrested for Swatting Conspiracy,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 26, 2020, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/former-atomwaffen-division-leader-arrested-swatting-conspiracy. In the instance targeting Nielsen, the anonymous caller claimed to have killed an ex-girlfriend and had taken her children hostage. In the following two swatting calls, the anonymous callers claimed to have placed pipe bombs within the facilities and threatened to shoot anyone inside.Neil Vigdor, “Man Accused of Making ‘Swatting’ Threats With White Supremacists,” New York Times, January 15, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/15/us/black-church-bomb-threats-virginia.html. The F.B.I. claims that members of the swatting ring used racial slurs and anti-Semitic language when describing their targets.Neil Vigdor, “Man Accused of Making ‘Swatting’ Threats With White Supremacists,” New York Times, January 15, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/15/us/black-church-bomb-threats-virginia.html.

Denton also targeted the New York City office of ProPublica, an online investigative news site, and an investigative journalist at ProPublica because he sought to retaliate against the news source for revealing his identity and his connection to Atomwaffen.Rebecca Davis O’Brien, “Neo-Nazis Are Charged With Threats Against Jews, Minorities, Journalists,” Wall Street Journal, February 26, 2020, https://www.wsj.com/articles/neo-nazis-are-charged-with-threats-against-jews-minorities-journalists-11582761749.

According to reports, Denton unknowingly met with an undercover F.B.I. agent to describe Atomwaffen’s swatting efforts. Denton claimed if he were “raided” for swatting ProPublica, then it would be good for Atomwaffen Division because the swatting would be seen as a top-tier crime.“Former Atomwaffen Division Leader Arrested for Swatting Conspiracy,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 26, 2020, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/former-atomwaffen-division-leader-arrested-swatting-conspiracy.

On February 26, 2020, federal authorities arrested Denton in Montgomery, Texas, on charges of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, interstate threats to injure. Denton made an initial court appearance the same day in Houston.“Two men arrested in Montgomery County linked to hate group with history of violence,” KHOU 11, February 26, 2020, https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/hate-group-based-in-montgomery-county-has-history-of-violence/285-d08cc091-c237-4df3-9a43-5df9fbad91c1; “Former Atomwaffen Division Leader Arrested for Swatting Conspiracy,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 26, 2020, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/former-atomwaffen-division-leader-arrested-swatting-conspiracy. Four other Atomwaffen members were also arrested for sending anti-Semitic and racist threats to journalists.Tess Owen, “The FBI Just Arrested a Bunch of Neo-Nazi Atomwaffen Members,” Vice, February 26, 2020, https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/bvgy9a/the-fbi-just-arrested-a-bunch-of-neo-nazi-atomwaffen-members. On March 9, 2020, an alleged audio recording by Mason announced Atomwaffen would immediately disband due to increasing pressure from authorities.Ben Makuch, “Audio Recording Claims Neo-Nazi Terror Group Is Disbanding,” Vice, March 14, 2020, https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/qjdnam/audio-recording-claims-neo-nazi-terror-group-is-disbanding. On July 25, 2020, a group of former AWD leaders announced the reorganization of AWD into the National Socialist Order (NSO). The NSO leaders further claimed they had built the NSO with a new leadership dedicated to creating an “Aryan, National Socialist world by any means necessary.” According to NSO’s official program, NSO completely rejects the current social-political world order, which the group denounced as a “left-wing framework cultivated by the Jew.” The group further called for all members to be armed and “ready at a moment’s notice” as its priority is to “seize territorial power by any means necessary.”“National Socialist Order Announcement!,” American Futurist, July 25, 2020.

On July 4, 2020, Denton pleaded guilty in a Virginia federal court on a charge of “conspiracy to make interstate threats” for his role in “swatting” multiple targets. He admitted that his actions were “motivated by racial animus” and that he had “expressed white supremacist views.” As part of a plea bargain, Denton will have to pay restitution to police departments in New York and Richmond, California.Rachel Weiner, “Member of Neo-Nazi Group Pleads Guilty to ‘Swatting’ Conspiracy Against Journalists, Minorities,” Washington Post, July 14, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/member-of-neo-nazi-group-pleads-guilty-to-swatting-conspiracy-of-journalists-minorities/2020/07/14/695f0e52-c5d4-11ea-8ffe-372be8d82298_story.html.

On May 4, 2021, Denton was sentenced by a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, to 41 months in prison for harassing journalists who reported on his activities.Rachel Weiner, “Former leader of neo-Nazi Atomwaffen group sentenced for swatting,” Washington Post, May 4, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/atomwaffen-leader-prison-sentence/2021/05/04/95544e16-a14b-11eb-a7ee-949c574a09ac_story.html?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2300437_.

Ahmad al-Hamidawi is the secretary-general of Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH). The U.S. government designated Hamidawi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on February 26, 2020.“State Department Terrorist Designation of Ahmad al-Hamidawi,” U.S. Department of State, February 26, 2020, https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designation-of-ahmad-al-hamidawi/. Hamidawi reportedly joined KH in 2007, shortly after the group’s founding.Dilshad Al-Dalawi, “بعد إدراجه بقوائم الإرهاب.. "الحميداوي" سجل حافل بالجرائم في العراق,” al-Ain, February 28, 2020, https://al-ain.com/article/terrorism-al-hamidawi-iraq. He received political, military, and intelligence training from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and was soon promoted to the KH’s Shura Council.Dilshad Al-Dalawi, “بعد إدراجه بقوائم الإرهاب.. "الحميداوي" سجل حافل بالجرائم في العراق,” al-Ain, February 28, 2020, https://al-ain.com/article/terrorism-al-hamidawi-iraq. As a commander within KH, Hamidawi played a central role in planning attacks against American and Iraqi government security forces between 2007 and 2011.Dilshad Al-Dalawi, “بعد إدراجه بقوائم الإرهاب.. "الحميداوي" سجل حافل بالجرائم في العراق,” al-Ain, February 28, 2020, https://al-ain.com/article/terrorism-al-hamidawi-iraq.

Between 2011 and 2014, Hamidawi led KH contingents in Syria where the group fought on the behalf of Bashar al-Assad.Dilshad Al-Dalawi, “بعد إدراجه بقوائم الإرهاب.. "الحميداوي" سجل حافل بالجرائم في العراق,” al-Ain, February 28, 2020, https://al-ain.com/article/terrorism-al-hamidawi-iraq. Since returning to Iraq in 2014, Hamidawi and his fighters oversaw the Jurf Sakhar region.Dilshad Al-Dalawi, “بعد إدراجه بقوائم الإرهاب.. "الحميداوي" سجل حافل بالجرائم في العراق,” al-Ain, February 28, 2020, https://al-ain.com/article/terrorism-al-hamidawi-iraq. Human Rights Watch and other organizations have accused KH of committing crimes against the local Sunni population—including kidnapping, mass illegal detention, and extortion.Michael Knights, “Exposing and Sanctioning Human Rights Violations by Iraqi Militias,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, October 22, 2019, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/exposing-and-sanctioning-human-rights-violations-by-iraqi-militias; “’Life Without a Father is Meaningless’ Arbitrary Arrests and Enforced Disappearances in Iraq 2014-2017,” Human Rights Watch, September 27, 2018, https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/09/27/life-without-father-meaningless/arbitrary-arrests-and-enforced-disappearances-iraq.

KH is an Iranian-sponsored, anti-American Shiite militia operating in Iraq with ancillary operations throughout Syria.Farnaz Fassihi, Jay Solomon, and Sam Dagher, “Iranians Dial Up Presence in Syria,” Wall Street Journal, September 16, 2013, http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323864604579067382861808984; Ned Parker and Raheem Salman, “In defense of Baghdad, Iraq turns to Shi'ite militias,” Reuters, June 14, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/14/us-iraq-security-volunteers-idUSKBN0EP0O920140614; Associated Press, “Assad relies on foreign fighters in push to retake Aleppo,” Fox News, December 10, 2016, http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/12/10/assad-relies-on-foreign-fighters-in-push-to-retake-aleppo.html. KH is supported by the Quds Force, the expeditionary arm of Iran’s IRGC. During the U.S.-led war in Iraq that began in 2003, KH earned a reputation for planting deadly roadside bombs and using improvised rocket-assisted mortars (IRAMs) to attack U.S. and coalition forces.“Treasury Designates Individual, Entity Posing Threat to Stability in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 2, 2009, http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg195.aspx; Terrorist Groups in Syria: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade of the Committee on Foreign Affairs House of Representatives, 113th Cong. 17-24 (2013) (statement of Phillip Smyth, Middle East research analyst, University of Maryland), http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-113hhrg85643/pdf/CHRG-113hhrg85643.pdf. According to U.S. diplomat Ali Khedery, KH is responsible for “some of the most lethal attacks against U.S. and coalition forces throughout the [U.S.-led war in Iraq].”Ali Khedery, “Iran’s Shiite Militias Are Running Amok in Iraq,” Foreign Policy, February 19, 2015, http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/02/19/irans-shiite-militias-are-running-amok-in-iraq/.

The U.S. government blames KH for leading protests at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad from December 29, 2019, to January 1, 2020, during which protesters attempted to storm the embassy. Demonstrators threw stones and torched a security post. The militia supporters withdrew from the embassy at the behest of KH leaders.Ghassan Adnan, Isabel Coles, and Michael Gordon, “Trump Blames Iran After Militia Supporters Try to Storm U.S. Embassy in Baghdad,” Wall Street Journal, December 31, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/protesters-attempt-to-storm-u-s-embassy-in-baghdad-11577787978; Ahmed Rasheed, “Trump blames Iran as protests erupt outside U.S. embassy in Iraq,” Reuters, December 31, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-usa/trump-blames-iran-as-protests-erupt-outside-u-s-embassy-in-iraq-idUSKBN1YZ0IO; Falih Hassan and Alissa J. Rubin, “Pro-Iranian Protesters End Siege of U.S. Embassy in Baghdad,” New York Times, January 1, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/world/middleeast/us-embassy-baghdad-iraq.html; Mustafa Salim and Liz Sly, “Supporters of Iranian-backed militia end siege of U.S. Embassy in Baghdad,” Washington Post, January 1, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/supporters-of-iranian-backed-militia-start-withdrawing-from-besieged-us-embassy-in-baghdad-following-militia-orders/2020/01/01/8280cb34-2c9e-11ea-9b60-817cc18cf173_story.html.

On January 3, 2020, a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad International Airport killed KH leader Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, a.k.a. Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, and Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.

The U.S. Department of State designated KH as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2009. The State Department designated Hamidawi under Executive Order 13224, which President Donald Trump amended in 2019 to allow for the designation of terrorist group leaders not linked to specific acts of terrorism. According to the State Department, Hamidawi “has committed, or poses a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism.”“State Department Terrorist Designation of Ahmad al-Hamidawi,” U.S. Department of State, February 26, 2020, https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designation-of-ahmad-al-hamidawi/.

Mohammed al-Kawtharani is the U.S.-designated Hezbollah representative in Iraq and a member of Hezbollah’s political council.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx. Since the death of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Qasem Soleimani in January 2020, Kawtharani has overseen the Iran-backed Shiite militias operating in Iraq.“Tehran-backed Hezbollah steps in to guide Iraqi militias in Soleimani's wake,” Reuters, February 11, 2020, https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iran-iraq-hezbollah-insight-idUKKBN205204. In April 2020, the U.S. government offered a reward of up to $10 million for information on Kawtharani’s activities, networks, or associates.“Reward Offer for Information on Hizballah’s Financial Networks Muhammad Kawtharani,” U.S. Department of State, April 10, 2020, https://www.state.gov/reward-offer-for-information-on-hizballahs-financial-networks-muhammad-kawtharani/.

Kawtharani’s primary responsibility is to promote Hezbollah’s interests in the country. In this regard Kawtharani acts as a conduit for training, funding, and other forms of Hezbollah support to Iraqi Shiite militias. According to the U.S. government Kawtharani assisted in the transport of fighters from Iraq to Syria to support the Assad regime. Kawtharani also helped secure the release of senior Hezbollah commander Ali Mussa Daqduq from Iraqi custody in 2012. The U.S.-designated Duqduq planned multiple attacks against coalition forces in Iraq, including a January 20, 2007, attack that killed five U.S. soldiers. The United States opposed Daqduq’s release.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx; Michael R. Gordon, “Against U.S. Wishes, Iraq Releases Man Accused of Killing American Soldiers,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/iraq-said-to-release-hezbollah-operative.html. An Iraqi Shiite leader told Reuters Soleimani trusted Kawtharani and relied on him in times of crisis.“Tehran-backed Hezbollah steps in to guide Iraqi militias in Soleimani's wake,” Reuters, February 11, 2020, https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iran-iraq-hezbollah-insight-idUKKBN205204.

Kawtharani has been involved in Iranian-sponsored negotiations to sway Iraqi leaders to support Iran’s preferred candidates for prime minister. In 2010, Kawtharani traveled to Qom, Iran, to meet with Soleimani, Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, and representatives of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Sadr endorsed the pro-Iran Maliki that October to remain Iraq’s prime minister. Other Shiite political leaders followed soon after.Martin Chulov, “How Iran brokered a secret deal to put its ally in power in Iraq,” Guardian (London), October 17, 2010, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/17/iran-secret-deal-political-power-iraq; Martin Chulov, “Iran brokers behind-the-scenes deal for pro-Tehran government in Iraq,” Guardian (London), October 17, 2010, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/17/iraq-government-iran-tehran-deal. In December 2019, Kawtharani again joined Soleimani in discussions with Iraqi leaders on selecting a new prime minister after the resignation of Adel Abul Mahdi that November.Tzvi Joffre, “Hezbollah helping Iran’s Soleimani find new Iraqi PM – report,” Jerusalem Post, December 5, 2019, https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hezbollah-helping-Irans-Soleimani-find-new-Iraqi-PM-report-609935. Kawtharani also reportedly persuaded Sadr to support Tawfiq Allawi, who was designated as Iraq’s new prime minister in February 2020.“Tehran-backed Hezbollah steps in to guide Iraqi militias in Soleimani’s wake,” Reuters, February 11, 2020, https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iran-iraq-hezbollah-insight-idUKKBN205204.

Previously, the IRGC’s Quds Force was Iran’s primary liaison to its Iraqi proxies. After the death of Quds Force leader Soleimani in a U.S. airstrike on January 3, 2020, Hezbollah has taken responsibility for liaising between Iran and the Iraqi militias. As Hezbollah’s representative in Iraq and a trusted colleague of Soleimani’s, Kawtharani has taken on the role himself. His oversight of the Iranian-sponsored militias is reportedly temporary until Iran determines its strategy in the wake of Soleimani’s death.“Tehran-backed Hezbollah steps in to guide Iraqi militias in Soleimani’s wake,” Reuters, February 11, 2020, https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iran-iraq-hezbollah-insight-idUKKBN205204.

On April 10, 2020, the U.S. State Department’s Reward for Justice program offered a reward of up to $10 million for information on Kawtharani’s activities, networks, and associates, stating that he has “taken over some of the political coordination of Iran-allied paramilitary groups” in Iraq. The listing further alleges that he “facilitates the actions of groups outside the control of the Government of Iraq that have violently suppressed protests, attacked foreign diplomatic missions, and engaged in wide-spread organized criminal activity.”“U.S. Offers $10 Million for Information on Hezbollah Commander in Iraq,” Reuters, April 10, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iraq-hezbollah-idUSKCN21S233; “Reward Offer for Information on Hizballah’s Financial Networks Muhammad Kawtharani,” U.S. Department of State, April 10, 2020, https://2017-2021.state.gov/reward-offer-for-information-on-hizballahs-financial-networks-muhammad-kawtharani//index.html.

Abu Abdul Bari is a top ISIS cleric who provided religious justification for ISIS’s enslavement and torture of Yazidi women and girls. He was known as the “mufti of Mosul” for his religious rulings supporting ISIS’s barbarity.Isabel Vincent, “‘Jabba the Jihadi’ played major role in enslaving Yazidi women,” New York Post, January 18, 2020, https://nypost.com/2020/01/18/jabba-the-jihadi-played-major-role-in-enslaving-yazidi-women/. Iraqi forces captured Abdul Bari in Mosul, Iraq, on January 16, 2020.Isabel Vincent, “‘Jabba the Jihadi’ played major role in enslaving Yazidi women,” New York Post, January 18, 2020, https://nypost.com/2020/01/18/jabba-the-jihadi-played-major-role-in-enslaving-yazidi-women/.

According to the Iraqi government, Abdul Bari was one of the main leaders of “ISIS gangs” who gave “provocative speeches against the security forces.”Chad Gardland, “Islamic State’s ‘very own Jabba the Hutt’ captured in Mosul,” Stars and Stripes, January 17, 2020, https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/islamic-state-s-very-own-jabba-the-hutt-captured-in-mosul-1.615184. In addition to justifying ISIS’s mistreatment of Yazidi women and girls, Abdul Bari also authorized the execution of scholars and clerics who refused to pledge allegiance to ISIS after it occupied Mosul.Yaron Steinbuch, “ISIS leader dubbed ‘Jabba the Jihadi’ captured in Iraq,” New York Post, January 17, 2020, https://nypost.com/2020/01/17/isis-leader-dubbed-jabba-the-jihadi-captured-in-iraq/. According to a confession Abdul Bari gave Iraqi authorities, he issued fatwas ordering the expulsion of Christians from Mosul, the killing of Yazidi men, and the killing of Shiites.Rowan Scarborough, “ISIS leader’s confession gives gruesome look into atrocities,” Washington Times, January 26, 2020, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/jan/26/shifa-al-nima-isis-leader-confessions-provide-look/. Abdul Bari also permitted ISIS fighters to blow up mosques in Mosul. He ordered ISIS’s destruction of Mosul’s Nabi Yunus mosque on July 25, 2014. The mosque was a shrine built on what is widely believed to be the burial site of the biblical prophet Jonah.Yaron Steinbuch, “ISIS leader dubbed ‘Jabba the Jihadi’ captured in Iraq,” New York Post, January 17, 2020, https://nypost.com/2020/01/17/isis-leader-dubbed-jabba-the-jihadi-captured-in-iraq/; Denver Nicks, “Islamist Militants Raze Ancient Shrine in Mosul,” Time, July 25, 2014, https://time.com/3033678/iraq-isis-jonah-tomb-mosul/.

After his capture, Abdul Bari confessed to Iraqi forces that he had issued religious rulings punishing Iraqis caught smoking or who did not go to mosques. One fatwa he issued ordered Iraqi security forces to surrender their weapons and receive a so-called repentant card. Abdul Bari admitted to issuing fatwas justifying the confiscation of houses of displaced people. Abdul Bari also issued a fatwa requiring Mosul storeowners to pay a zakat tax to ISIS.Rowan Scarborough, “ISIS leader’s confession gives gruesome look into atrocities,” Washington Times, January 26, 2020, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/jan/26/shifa-al-nima-isis-leader-confessions-provide-look/.

According to his confession, Abdul Bari worked as a teacher in the United Arab Emirates for three months in 1984 after graduating from Al-Monawarah University in Saudi Arabia. He then returned to Iraq and joined extremist networks opposed to former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. After the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, Abdul Bari began issuing fatwas permitting the assassination of Iraqi security forces.“Confession Of ISIS Mufti Shifa Al-Ni’ma: ‘I Issued Fatwas Permitting Expulsion Of Christians From Mosul, Enslavement, Selling of Yazidi Women,’” MEMRI, January 22, 2020, https://www.memri.org/jttm/confession-isis-mufti-shifa-al-nima-i-issued-fatwas-permitting-expulsion-christians-mosul.

In 2007, Abdul Bari traveled to London to meet with two jihadist financiers, a Mosul native named Abu Mustapha Al-Najmawi and a Saudi national named Abdallah Al-Ghonaiman. The two gave Abdul Bari $6,000 on the condition he use the money on armed groups. Later that year, Abdul Bari traveled to Saudi Arabia where he received $4,000 from a sheikh. Abdul Bari admitted to establishing the armed factions Al-Mujahideen Army, the Army of Muhammad, and the Islamic Army.“Confession Of ISIS Mufti Shifa Al-Ni’ma: ‘I Issued Fatwas Permitting Expulsion Of Christians From Mosul, Enslavement, Selling of Yazidi Women,’” MEMRI, January 22, 2020, https://www.memri.org/jttm/confession-isis-mufti-shifa-al-nima-i-issued-fatwas-permitting-expulsion-christians-mosul. British police reported after the confession they were unfamiliar with any suspected terrorists in the United Kingdom named Najmawi but would open an investigation.Abul Taher, “‘Jabba the Jihadi’ 40st cleric behind mass rapes of Yazidi girls by Islamic State claims he received funding from a terror financier in BRITAIN,” Daily Mail (London), January 25, 2020, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7929247/Jabba-Jihadi-40st-cleric-claims-received-funding-terror-financier-BRITAIN.html.

Abdul Bari also founded the Abdallah Al-Ni’ma’s school in Iraq. The school provided theological indoctrination to dozens of jihadist fighters. One of Abdul Bari’s students would become a bodyguard for deceased ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.“Confession Of ISIS Mufti Shifa Al-Ni’ma: ‘I Issued Fatwas Permitting Expulsion Of Christians From Mosul, Enslavement, Selling of Yazidi Women,’” MEMRI, January 22, 2020, https://www.memri.org/jttm/confession-isis-mufti-shifa-al-nima-i-issued-fatwas-permitting-expulsion-christians-mosul.

Abdul Bari admitted that he pledged allegiance to ISIS in front of two ISIS officials, a Saudi national named Al-Qahtani who was a senior ISIS cleric and judge, and another named Abu Mu’taz Al-Afari. Abdul Bari’s two sons, Abd Al-Bari and Abd Al-Hadi, also pledged allegiance to ISIS. One is serving a five-year sentence in Iraq while the other was sentenced to death.Rowan Scarborough, “ISIS leader’s confession gives gruesome look into atrocities,” Washington Times, January 26, 2020, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/jan/26/shifa-al-nima-isis-leader-confessions-provide-look/.

Abdul Bari hid at his daughter’s house in Mosul’s Al-Muhandiseen neighborhood for two months until Iraqi forces arrived in the neighborhood and he started moving around the city until his capture in the Al-Mansour neighborhood in January 2020.“Confession Of ISIS Mufti Shifa Al-Ni’ma: ‘I Issued Fatwas Permitting Expulsion Of Christians From Mosul, Enslavement, Selling of Yazidi Women,’” MEMRI, January 22, 2020, https://www.memri.org/jttm/confession-isis-mufti-shifa-al-nima-i-issued-fatwas-permitting-expulsion-christians-mosul. According to Iraqi authorities, Abdul Bari was well known for inciting against the police in and around Mosul’s mosques. The Jerusalem Post reported that Mosul residents had terrible memories of Abdul Bari. Iraqi forces and pundits nicknamed Abdul Bari “Jabba the Jihadi,” likening him to the Star Wars character Jabba the Hutt because of his obesity and criminal activities. Various outlets reported Abdul Bari’s weight between 300 and 560 pounds. Police had to load Abdul Bari onto a police pickup truck for transport. Abdul Bari’s massive weight gain reportedly happened while he was in hiding.Yaron Steinbuch, “ISIS leader dubbed ‘Jabba the Jihadi’ captured in Iraq,” New York Post, January 17, 2020, https://nypost.com/2020/01/17/isis-leader-dubbed-jabba-the-jihadi-captured-in-iraq/; Seth J. Frantzman, “ISIS ‘mufti’ weighing over 300 lbs captured by Iraqi SWAT,” Jerusalem Post, January 18, 2020, https://www.jpost.com/OMG/ISIS-mufti-weighing-300-lbs-captured-by-Iraqi-SWAT-614449.