Federal authorities have arrested Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national, for allegedly plotting attacks on Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, New York, and Arizona.
Al-Saadi, 32, is accused of working with Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to carry out these attacks.
According to the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York, Al-Saadi faces several terrorism-related charges, including conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and conspiracy to bomb a place of public use. The Los Angeles Times reports that he is currently jailed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
The criminal complaint alleges that Al-Saadi planned to use improvised explosive devices or fire to attack the targets. He reportedly discussed these plans with an undercover law enforcement officer in April. During a recorded call, Al-Saadi allegedly sought assistance in carrying out the attacks and offered payment for the execution of these plans.
Authorities say Al-Saadi is a commander for Kata’ib Hizballah, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization closely aligned with the IRGC. He allegedly coordinated 18 terrorist attacks throughout Europe and planned similar attacks in the U.S.
TIME reports that the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, along with other agencies, successfully thwarted the planned attack on a Manhattan synagogue. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the synagogue was targeted for its support of Israel.
The Department of Justice has charged Al-Saadi with multiple offenses, including providing material support for acts of terrorism. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about antisemitic terrorism and the global reach of Iran-backed militias like Kata’ib Hizballah. Federal authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to disrupt such threats and ensure the safety of U.S. citizens.
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