The United States has announced a $10m reward for information leading to the arrest or location of a top Iraqi militia leader linked to a Tehran-backed armed group.
The US State Department disclosed this in a post on Thursday, stating that it is seeking credible information on the leader of Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada, Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai.
Washington accused the group, which it has designated a terrorist organisation, of involvement in attacks on Iraqi civilians, as well as assaults on US diplomatic missions and military personnel in Iraq and neighbouring Syria.
According to the statement, individuals with useful information on al-Saraji’s whereabouts may be eligible for financial reward and possible relocation.
Al-Saraji is said to be a member of the Coordination Framework, the Shiite political bloc that currently holds majority influence in Iraq’s parliament.
Iran-backed armed groups have, in recent times, intensified attacks on US interests in Iraq, including the American embassy in Baghdad, facilities at the capital’s airport, and oil installations operated by foreign firms.
The development comes amid renewed tensions in the Middle East following the escalation of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran earlier this year.
In a related move, the US government recently announced a similar reward for the leader of another armed faction, Kataeb Hezbollah, over the abduction of an American journalist who was later released.
Reports also indicate that Washington has increased pressure on the Iraqi government to curb the activities of pro-Iran militias, including measures affecting financial and security support programmes.
