Qais al-Khazali

Qais al-Khazali is the U.S.-designated founder and leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), an Iranian-sponsored Shiite militia and political party operating primarily in Iraq.Matthew Hilburn, “One-time US Prisoner Now Key in Battling IS,” Voice of America, last modified March 15, 2015, http://www.voanews.com/content/qais-khazali-onetime-us-prisoner-now-key-in-battling-islamic-state/2679431.html. During the U.S.-led counterinsurgency, Khazali was one of the most wanted men in Iraq.Eli Lake, “Inside Iraq’s Iranian-Backed Militias,” Bloomberg View, February 4, 2015, http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-02-04/inside-iraq-s-iranian-backed-militias. Khazali’s attacks at the time included a January 2007 attack in Karbala that killed five U.S. soldiers.Sam Wyer, “The Resurgence of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq,” Middle East Security Report 7 (December 2012): 11, http://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/ResurgenceofAAH.pdf; Iraq Releases Man Held In Slayings of U.S. Soldiers,” CNN, June 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/09/iraq.prisoner.release/index.html?_s=PM:WORLD; David D. Kirkpatrick, “Shiite Militias Pose Challenge for U.S. in Iraq,” New York Times, September 16, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/17/world/middleeast/shiite-militias-pose-challenge-for-us-in-iraq.html. In March 2007, Khazali was found and captured by coalition forces. He was released in January 2010 as part of an apparent prisoner-hostage exchange.Eli Lake, “Inside Iraq’s Iranian-Backed Militias,” Bloomberg View, February 4, 2015, http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-02-04/inside-iraq-s-iranian-backed-militias; “Iraq Releases Man Held In Slayings of U.S. Soldiers,” CNN, June 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/09/iraq.prisoner.release/index.html?_s=PM:WORLD; “Man with al-Sadr ties held in attack on U.S. troops,” CNN.com, March 22, 2007, http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/03/22/iraq.main/.

Since he was released in January 2010, Khazali has continued to lead AAH in both its paramilitary and political activities. When the U.S. military withdrew from Iraq in December 2010, AAH pivoted from attacking anti-American targets in Iraq to recruiting for pro-Assad militias in Syria. According to Guardian Middle East correspondent Martin Chulov, Khazali’s speeches have galvanized “thousands” of Iraqi Shiites to fight for Assad’s regime in Syria, worrying many Iraqi communities about “a sectarian conflict that increasingly respects no border.” Martin Chulov, “Controlled by Iran, the deadly militia recruiting Iraq's men to die in Syria,” Guardian (London), March 12, 2014, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/12/iraq-battle-dead-valley-peace-syria.

As AAH seeks to expand its role into Iraq’s political sphere, Khazali continues his sectarian rhetoric. Days before Iraq’s April 30, 2014, parliamentary elections, Khazali gave an ominous speech, drenched with “sectarian undertones,” at an AAH rally in Baghdad to 10,000 supporters. ISIS bombed the rally, killing at least 33 attendants including 10 AAH militants who fought alongside Assad forces in Syria.Associated Press, “Shiite rally bombing sparks reprisals in Iraq,” Seattle Times, April 26, 2014, http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/shiite-rally-bombing-sparks-reprisals-in-iraq/. Days later in the April 30 elections, AAH’s political party al-Sadiqun (the Honest Ones) ran as part of the State of Law bloc, winning only one seat.Nicholas A. Heras, “Iraqi Shi’a Militia Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq Expands Operations to Syria,” Jamestown Foundation, May 15, 2014, http://www.jamestown.org/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=42367&no_cache=1#.VTlNmiHBzGc; John Hall, “Shocking image shows child aged under ten being used to fire rockets from car-mounted missile launcher in Iraq against ISIS targets,” Daily Mail (London), December 24, 2014, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2885162/Chilling-image-shows-child-aged-ten-used-fire-rockets-car-mounted-missile-launcher-Iraq-against-ISIS-targets.html.

Since that time, AAH has continued to act primarily as a militia under Khazali’s leadership, though the group maintains a political role. AAH today fights anti-Assad rebels in Syria as well as ISIS in Iraq. Meanwhile, the group has continued to prioritize its role as an anti-American militia, boycotting the March 2015 battle against ISIS in Tikrit because of U.S. military aid.Saif Hameed, “UPDATE 4-Iraq special forces advance in Tikrit, U.S. coalition joins fight,” Reuters, March 26, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/26/mideast-crisis-iraq-idUSL6N0WS1MM20150326. Khazali also continues to deliver divisive and sectarian rhetoric against fellow Iraqis. In March 2015, Khazali said of Iraq’s Kurdish population, “[they are] operating right now like leeches, which feed on the host’s body – sucking more and more of its blood – in an effort to grow in size.”“Iraqi Shiite Militia Leader Qais Al-Khazali: Kurdish Leaders Are Leeches, Sucking the Blood of Iraq,” MEMRI TV, March 24, 2015, http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/4846.htm.

In March 2017, Khazali called for the establishment of separate universities in Iraq to be run by Shiite militias within Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMUs). In the speech delivered before a crowd of university students, Khazali reportedly said that Iraq needed a “PMU University, through which we could address our enemies and tell them, ‘If you fear us now, you must know that the PMU is present in every university, college and department.’” According to Iraqi journalist Hassan al-Shanoun, Khazali’s call appears to mimic Iranian-style “cultural revolution” tactics from the 1980s. During that time, schools were closed, teachers and students were expelled, and all western and non-Islamic teachings were removed from curriculums. Khazali also released a statement saying that Iraqi students “need to organize their ranks, which would allow them to overthrow any corrupt government or regime.”Hassan al-Shanoun, “Shiite militias prepare for education 'revolution' in Iraq,” Al-Monitor, April 17, 2017, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/04/university-iraq-cultural-revolution-pmu.html.

AAH ran in the May 2018 national elections within the Fatah Alliance, a coalition of Iran-backed Haashid Shaabi militias. AAH won 15 seats propelling Khazali into a position of political power within the new government.Phillip Smyth, “Iranian Militias in Iraq's Parliament: Political Outcomes and U.S. Response,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, June 11, 2018, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/iranian-militias-in-iraqs-parliament-political-outcomes-and-u.s.-response. After Iraq’s October 10, 2021, parliamentary elections, the Fatah Alliance, which includes AAH and other Shiite factions, won only 14 seats, dropping from 48 seats in the 2018 election. Shiite faction leaders rejected the results and threatened violent action. AAH accused foreign countries of manipulating the election results.Suadad al-Salhy and Alex MacDonald, “Iraq elections 2021: Shia parties reject results as armed group threatens violence,” Middle East Eye, October 12, 2021, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iraq-elections-shia-parties-reject-results-militia-threatens-violence; Dilan Sirwan, “Iraq election results see giant parties fall, unexpected victories,” Rudaw, October 12, 2021, https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/121020212; “Pro-Iranian groups reject early Iraq election results as ‘scam,’” Al Jazeera, October 12, 2021, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/12/iraqi-pro-iranian-groups-reject-elections-a-scam; Faris al-Omran, “Asaib Ahl al-Haq's unpopularity on the rise in Iraq,” Diyaruna, November 3, 2021, https://diyaruna.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_di/features/2021/11/03/feature-01.

On August 30, 2022, Khazali called a press conference to urge parliamentarians to form a new government for the betterment of Iraq. Khazali praised the PMU for maintaining order in Iraq during the government crisis.“Sheikh Khazali Calls for Government Formation, Says PMU Acted Responsibly,” U News, August 31, 2022, https://www.unews.com.lb/en/archives/31/08/2022/41142/. After 73 legislators loyal to influential leader Muqtada al-Sadr resigned on June 11, 2022, Khazali called for new parliamentary elections.“Leader of Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq Calls for New Parliamentary Elections in Iraq,” Tasnim News Agency, June 25, 2022, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2022/06/25/2734161/leader-of-asa-ib-ahl-al-haq-calls-for-new-parliamentary-elections-in-iraq. After a year of deadlock, Iraq’s parliament elected Abdul Latif Rashid as president on October 13, 2022. Rashid immediately named Mohammed Shia al-Sudani prime minister-designate.Ahmed Rasheed and Amina Ismail, “Iraq elects new president and premier, ending stalemate,” Reuters, October 14, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/rockets-hit-baghdads-green-zone-sources-2022-10-13/.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanction-designated Khazali in December 2019 after AAH killed multiple peaceful demonstrators in Iraq.“Treasury Sanctions Iran-Backed Militia Leaders Who Killed Innocent Demonstrators in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm847. The following month, the U.S. Department of State designated him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224.“State Department Terrorist Designations of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq and its leaders, Qays and Laith al-Khazali,” U.S. Department of State, January 3, 2020, https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designations-of-asaib-ahl-al-haq-and-its-leaders-qays-and-laith-al-khazali/.

Despite the designation, Khazali has continued to meet with international diplomats as the leader of an Iraqi political party. A month after Iraq’s October 2021 parliamentary elections, Khazali met with Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). They met again in July 2022. The meetings were to discuss Iraqi attempts to form a government.Wladimir van Wilgenburg, “UN envoy meets with Qais Al-Khazali on Iraq government formation,” Kurdistan 24, July 27, 2022, https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/29074-UN-envoy-meets-with-Qais-Al-Khazali-on-Iraq-government-formation. In January 2023, Khazali met with Australian Ambassador to Iraq Paula Ganley. In response to media inquiries, Australia’s foreign affairs department said al-Khazali and AAH are not designated as terrorists in Australia. A department official says Khazali is head of a political party in Iraq, which is part of the Iraqi governing. Therefore, it was within the parameters of the ambassador’s job to meet with him.Jake Evans, “Australian ambassador in Iraq's meeting with US-designated global terrorist defended by Foreign Affairs Department,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, February 16, 2023, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-16/australian-ambassador-met-with-terrorist-in-iraq/101985438. On May 3, 2023, Khazali addressed the Iraqi Forum a day after U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski and Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf addressed the conference. The presence of U.S. officials at the same conference as Khazali drew criticism in the United States. The State Department defended its presence by saying Khazali did not appear on the same day as the U.S. officials.Bill Roggio, “U.S. State Department officials speak at same conference as dangerous Iran-backed Iraqi terrorist,” Foundation for Defense of Democracies, May 4, 2023, https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2023/05/04/conference-iran-backed-iraqi-terrorist/; Michael Lee, “US officials attend event whose guest list includes known terrorist responsible for murder of US troops,” Fox News, May 9, 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-officials-attend-event-guest-list-known-terrorist-responsible-murder-us-troops.

Notwithstanding AAH’s position in the Iraqi government, Khazali has continued to endorse violence in Iraq. In a June 2021 televised speech, Khazali vowed to attack U.S. troops in Iraq in response to a U.S. airstrike that killed five pro-Iran Iraqi militants. In the speech broadcasted by AAH’s satellite channel, Khazali said, “we are not seeking blood… however the American treacherous enemy is the one who started wasting lives and moved the battle to this level.”“Pro-Iran militia leader vows retaliation against US troops in Iraq,” Middle East Monitor, June 30, 2021, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210630-pro-iran-militia-leader-vows-retaliation-against-us-troops-in-iraq/; “Al-Khazali to the United States: An eye for an eye,” Shafaq News, June 29, 2021, https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq-News/Al-Khazali-to-the-United-States-An-eye-for-an-eye. During a May 6, 2023, speech marking AAH’s anniversary, Khazali claimed the group had carried out 5,000 operations against U.S. forces. Khazali declared AAH would continue its anti-U.S. operations.“Iraqi resistance group: 5,000 operations carried out against occupying US forces,” Press TV, May 7, 2023, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/05/07/702899/Iraqi-resistance-group-operations-against-US-occupiers.

Extremist entity
Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH)
Read Threat Report
Type(s) of Organization:
Militia, political party, religious, social services provider, terrorist, transnational, violent
Ideologies and Affiliations:
Iranian-sponsored, Islamist, jihadist, Khomeinist, Shiite
Position(s):
Founder, secretary-general

AAH is an Iranian-backed Shiite militia and political party operating primarily in Iraq, as well as in Syria and Lebanon. Until the U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq in December 2011, AAH had launched more than 6,000 attacks on American and Iraqi forces.

  • Designations
  • Rhetoric

United States

United Arab Emirates

Aug. 13, 2023

“The Devil is not a theoretical enemy. He has a party that abides by his orders. As will be shown, this party of the Devil is led by the Jews.

“The Jews are the soldiers who serve the Devil – this is the Jewish lobby that controls the decision-making, the media, the economy, the dollar, the weapons trade, and so on. This is no longer a conspiracy theory. This has become clear.”“Iraqi Shi’ite Militia Leader Qais Al-Khazali: The Jews Are The Soldiers Of The Devil, Control Global Affairs; The Jewish Lobby Murdered Prophet Muhammad And Imam Ali,” MEMRI, August 13, 2023, https://www.memri.org/tv/iraqi-shiite-militia-leader-khazali-jews-soldiers-devil-murdered-muhammad.

Aug. 13, 2023

“It was the Jews – the Jewish lobby – that murdered the fathers and forefathers of the Prophet Muhammad. This point does not require further proof, right? Secondly, it was the Jewish lobby that assassinated the Prophet Muhammad. You can check it out to see that I am right. Thirdly, I say – and Allah willing, I will prove – that it was the Jewish lobby that murdered Ali bin Abu Taleb.

…

“Fourthly, I say – and Allah willing, I will prove – that it was the Jewish lobby who was behind the murder of all the Imams.

“Regardless of who was the actual perpetrator... The Jewish lobby is the reason for the occultation of the Hidden Imam. It is the Jewish lobby that is searching for the Hidden Imam, and they might do anything in order to murder him.”“Iraqi Shi’ite Militia Leader Qais Al-Khazali: The Jews Are The Soldiers Of The Devil, Control Global Affairs; The Jewish Lobby Murdered Prophet Muhammad And Imam Ali,” MEMRI, August 13, 2023, https://www.memri.org/tv/iraqi-shiite-militia-leader-khazali-jews-soldiers-devil-murdered-muhammad.

May 15, 2023

Speech accusing Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency of complicity in the death of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib in the seventh century:

“Qatam was a prostitute. What had been the modus operandi of the Israeli-Jewish intelligence agency? What do we know about them? How do they get their sources? It is either through money or through women. Right? In this case, it was a woman. There is no doubt that she worked for the Israeli Mossad back then, and through her, they recruited [Imam Ali's killer]. Abd Al-Satan Ibn Criminal [i.e. Abd Al-Rahman Ibn Mujlam].”“Iraqi Shi’ite Militia Leader Qais Al-Khazali: The Israeli Mossad Used A Prostitute To Assassinate Imam Ali In The 7th Century,” MEMRI, May 15, 2023, https://www.memri.org/reports/iraqi-shiite-militia-leader-qais-al-khazali-israeli-mossad-used-prostitute-assassinate-imam.

Feb. 1, 2022

In response to Turkish airstrikes that reportedly killed and wounded multiple civilians in Iraqi Kurdistan’s Sinjar:

The Iraqi resistance “will teach the Turkish occupation tough lessons and force them out of the pure land of Iraq.”Layal Shakir, “Turkey launches new air operation in Makhmour, Shingal,” Rudaw, February 2, 2022, https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/02022022.

June 29, 2021

In a televised speech broadcasted by the group’s satellite channel, Al-Ahed:

“We are not seeking blood… however the American treacherous enemy is the one who started wasting lives and moved the battle to this level.”“Pro-Iran militia leader vows retaliation against US troops in Iraq,” Middle East Monitor, June 30, 2021, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210630-pro-iran-militia-leader-vows-retaliation-against-us-troops-in-iraq/.

June 29, 2021

In a televised speech broadcasted by the group’s satellite channel, Al-Ahed:

“The resistance operations have moved to a new stage, and retribution for the blood of our precious youth will only be compensated with the blood of its occupying soldiers.”“Pro-Iran militia leader vows retaliation against US troops in Iraq,” Middle East Monitor, June 30, 2021, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210630-pro-iran-militia-leader-vows-retaliation-against-us-troops-in-iraq/.

June 29, 2021

In a televised speech broadcasted by the group’s satellite channel, Al-Ahed:

“If America continues to shed Iraqi blood, we will continue to respond, and we have full readiness and plans in a way that the enemy will not expect in terms of location and the quality of weapons.”“Pro-Iran militia leader vows retaliation against US troops in Iraq,” Middle East Monitor, June 30, 2021, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210630-pro-iran-militia-leader-vows-retaliation-against-us-troops-in-iraq/.

Jan. 3, 2020

“All fighters should be on high alert for upcoming battle and great victory. The price for the blood for the martyred commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis is the complete end to American military presence in Iraq.”“Iraqi militia commander orders fighters to prepare for battle: local TV,” Reuters, January 3, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-blast-khazali/iraqi-militia-commander-orders-fighters-to-prepare-for-battle-local-tv-idUSKBN1Z20IZ.

May 21, 2020

“Ending the US military presence in Iraq and the region is an imperative issue. Moreover, ending the Israeli occupation of Arab lands is inevitable.”“Israel Harmful to Palestine, Muslim World: Iraqi Commander,” Tasnim News Agency, May 21, 2020, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/05/21/2270767/israel-harmful-to-palestine-muslim-world-iraqi-commander.

May 21, 2020

“The aggressive Israeli regime is not only harmful to Palestine and the Palestinian people, but also to the entire Arab and Muslim world.”“Israel Harmful to Palestine, Muslim World: Iraqi Commander,” Tasnim News Agency, May 21, 2020, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/05/21/2270767/israel-harmful-to-palestine-muslim-world-iraqi-commander.

Aug. 26, 2019

“The Israeli bombing of the military camps of the PMU and the Iraqi Federal Police is an actual step towards war.”“Iraqi Shiite Militia Leader Qais Khazali: Israel Wants War in the Region; It Plans to Settle Palestinian Refugees in Iraq,” MEMRITV, August 26, 2019, https://www.memri.org/tv/shiite-iraq-militia-leader-qais-khazali-israel-wants-war-based-torah-end-trump-first-term/transcript.

Aug. 26, 2019

“The Israeli entity, based on ideological and prophetic premises that are connected to what is in the Torah, is the one that wants war.”“Iraqi Shiite Militia Leader Qais Khazali: Israel Wants War in the Region; It Plans to Settle Palestinian Refugees in Iraq,” MEMRITV, August 26, 2019, https://www.memri.org/tv/shiite-iraq-militia-leader-qais-khazali-israel-wants-war-based-torah-end-trump-first-term/transcript.

March 2019

Describing the Trump administration’s decision to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights:

“[These] are practical steps towards their real project to control all areas from the Euphrates to the Nile.”“Khazali criticizes US recognition of Israel's authority over Golan,” Baghdad Post, March 26, 2019, https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/37712/Khazali-criticizes-US-recognition-of-Israel-s-authority-over-Golan.

Oct. 1, 2018

“All of this proves that we are not terrorists attacking Washington based on terrorist ideology. If we wanted that, we could have taken many opportunities in the past during the war on the Islamic State knowing that the only thing separating us from the embassy is the Tigris River.”Mustafa Saadoun, “Head of PMU faction talks Iraqi politics, US relations,” Al-Monitor, October 1, 2018, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/09/qais-khazali-iraq-us-pmu-aah.html.

Oct. 1, 2018

“Between 2004 and 2011, we have had six recordings of our operations against the US military when they were in Iraq. We have around 5,000 photographed operations, and we are proud of them.”Mustafa Saadoun, “Head of PMU faction talks Iraqi politics, US relations,” Al-Monitor, October 1, 2018, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/09/qais-khazali-iraq-us-pmu-aah.html.

Oct. 1, 2018

“I am now telling Al-Monitor, a US media organization, that yes, we have resisted the US, that we were backed by Iran and that we are proud of it.”Mustafa Saadoun, “Head of PMU faction talks Iraqi politics, US relations,” Al-Monitor, October 1, 2018, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/09/qais-khazali-iraq-us-pmu-aah.html.

Oct. 1, 2018

“I am now telling Al-Monitor, a US media organization, that yes, we have resisted the US, that we were backed by Iran and that we are proud of it.”Mustafa Saadoun, “Head of PMU faction talks Iraqi politics, US relations,” Al-Monitor, October 1, 2018, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/09/qais-khazali-iraq-us-pmu-aah.html.

Oct. 1, 2018

“Iran would benefit from weakening the US, and we share this interest. I don’t see why [Iran would not support us], especially we are not targeting Iraqi [civilians], just the US army.”Mustafa Saadoun, “Head of PMU faction talks Iraqi politics, US relations,” Al-Monitor, October 1, 2018, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/09/qais-khazali-iraq-us-pmu-aah.html.

Oct. 2017

“The Shia crescent will God willing become a Shia full-moon. And God willing with the return of the Imam Zaman there will be a complete difference in fighting. The Revolutionary Guard in Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon and Ansar Allah (Houthis) in Yemen and Asaib Ahl al-Haq. Our sister Zeinab and her brothers.”Qais, al-Khazali, “Qais al-Khazali: We are moving ahead with the Shiite Full-Moon Project,” Al-Jazeera (Doha), October 5, 2017, http://www.aljazeera.net/news/arabic/2017/5/10/قيس-الخزعلي-ماضون-بمشروع-البدر-الشيعي.

Jan. 2018

“We have repeatedly heard American government officials saying that Washington wants to remain in Iraq after ISIS for the long haul. This is not something that we want to allow to happen….”Ahmed Majidyar, “Iranian-supported militia leader calls for US exit from Iraq,” Middle East Institute, January 31, 2018, http://www.mei.edu/content/io/iranian-supported-militia-leader-calls-us-exit-iraq.

Oct. 2017

“To the U.S. Secretary of State: your armed forces have to prepare from this point immediately and without any delay to leave our homeland Iraq after the end of the ISIS-presence excuse.”“Hashd commander calls for immediate withdrawal of US forces,” Rudaw, October 23, 2017, http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/231020173.

Dec. 2017

“We declare out full readiness to stand united with the Lebanese people and the Palestinian cause in the face of the Israeli occupation.”“Lebanese PM slams visit by Iran-backed Iraqi militia chief to Israeli border,” Times of Israel, December 9, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/lebanese-pm-slams-iran-backed-iraqi-militia-visit-to-israel-border/.

August 2015

“We have a good relationship with Iran and there is mutual respect...I want to emphasize that just because we make decisions independently, that doesn’t mean that there might not be any common goals or interests. It is no secret that Iran supports all the militias in this area and we are obviously one of them...”Niqash, “Iraq’s Most Fearsome Shia Militia Leader Speaks Out,” Daily Beast, August 24, 2015, http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/08/24/iraq-s-most-fearsome-shia-militia-leader-speaks-out.html.

July 2015

“The Americans do not trust us because we resisted them during the occupation. There is no prospect [for cooperation].”Samia Nakhoul, “Iraqi militia leader says U.S. not serious about fighting Islamic State,” Reuters, July 28, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-khazali-idUSKCN0Q22ED20150728.

July 2015

“[T]he American project is trying at least to limit the presence of the Hashid Shaabi [Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units] to the borders of Fallujah and not reach Ramadi. This is the magnitude of the pressure from the American leadership now on the Iraqi prime minister.”Samia Nakhoul, “Iraqi militia leader says U.S. not serious about fighting Islamic State,” Reuters, July 28, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-khazali-idUSKCN0Q22ED20150728.

July 2015

“We do not agree to participate in any area where there are American strikes. We will place full responsibility on the American administration for any strike that happens under the guise of being a mistake.”Samia Nakhoul, “Iraqi militia leader says U.S. not serious about fighting Islamic State,” Reuters, July 28, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-khazali-idUSKCN0Q22ED20150728.

Mar. 24, 2015

“The problem is that the Kurds are operating right now like leeches, which feed on the host’s body – sucking more and more of its blood – in an effort to grow in size.”“Iraqi Shiite Militia Leader Qais Al-Khazali: Kurdish Leaders Are Leeches, Sucking the Blood of Iraq,” MEMRI TV, March 24, 2015, http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/4846.htm.

Mar. 24, 2015

“The problem is that the Kurds are operating right now like leeches, which feed on the host’s body – sucking more and more of its blood – in an effort to grow in size.”“Iraqi Shiite Militia Leader Qais Al-Khazali: Kurdish Leaders Are Leeches, Sucking the Blood of Iraq,” MEMRI TV, March 24, 2015, http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/4846.htm.

Jul. 2014

“I think sending our men to fight in Syria was the right decision… Al-Qaida has had a lot of practice in street fighting. If our guys hadn’t gotten the experience in Syria, al-Qaida and ISIS could have taken Baghdad.”“The Fearsome Iraqi Militia Vowing to Vanquish ISIS,” BBC News, July 7, 2014 , http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28199741.

Apr. 25, 2014

“To those that are defending Iraq in Syria, because they are fighting there the enemies of Iraq, I tell you all. [C]ongratulations for having the honor to fight there. Congratulations for making history.”Tim Arango and Duraid Adnan, “Iraqi Militants Stage Political Rally, Then Bombs Go Off,” New York Times, April 25, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/26/world/middleeast/militant-rally-in-iraq-ends-in-deadly-sectarian-bombing.html.

Jun. 2013

“Our existence does not depend on the survival of the Syrian regime. Yet we could be hurt and there might be sectarian strife [if Assad falls].”Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Adam Schreck, “Iraqi Shiite fighters’ Syria role raises tensions,” Associated Press, June 10, 2013, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/iraqi-shiite-fighters-syria-role-raises-tensions.

Sep. 13, 2012

“The offense against the Messenger [the Prophet Muhammad] will put all the American interests in Iraq in danger. We will not forgive that.”Lara Jakes, “After prophet film, militia threatens US in Iraq,” Associated Press, September 13, 2012, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/after-prophet-film-militia-threatens-us-iraq.

Jan. 4, 2012

“This stage of the military conflict between the Iraqi armed resistance and the occupation forces is over, with a distinct, historic Iraqi victory and a distinct, historic U.S. failure.”Sudad Al-Salhy, “Iraq Shi’ite militia says ready to lay down weapons,” Reuters, January 5, 2012, http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/05/us-iraq-politics-militia-idUSTRE8041LY20120105.

Jan. 4, 2012

“We believe that we have carried out our role regarding the liberation of our country and restoring its sovereignty. This political achievement could not have been done without the Iraqi armed resistance.”Sudad Al-Salhy, “Iraq Shi’ite militia says ready to lay down weapons,” Reuters, January 5, 2012, http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/05/us-iraq-politics-militia-idUSTRE8041LY20120105.

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Daily Dose

Extremists: Their Words. Their Actions.

Fact:

On April 3, 2017, the day Vladimir Putin was due to visit the city, a suicide bombing was carried out in the St. Petersburg metro, killing 15 people and injuring 64. An al-Qaeda affiliate, Imam Shamil Battalion, claimed responsibility. 

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