The Iran-Backed Militia Behind a Terror Plot Against American Jews

 https://time.com/article/2026/05/16/kataib-hezbollah-terror-plot-synagogue/

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national, is accused of having “directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests, including by killing Americans and Jews” on behalf of Kata'ib Hezbollah, a powerful Iraqi Shiite militia backed by Iran, according to the criminal complaint. 

Federal authorities say Al-Saadi, a Kata'ib Hezbollah commander, planned to attack a New York City synagogue and two Jewish centers in Los Angeles, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona. The complaint alleges that Al-Saadi provided an undercover law enforcement officer, who was posing as a Mexican cartel member, with photographs and maps showing the locations of his targets. He is also charged with conducting attacks in Canada and Europe.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Friday that Al-Saadi was “targeting the heart of our Jewish community.” 

Al-Saadi, who was transferred into United States custody overseas before being brought to the U.S., appeared in Manhattan federal court on Friday, as his arrest was announced to the public. He faces charges including conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations, conspiracy to bomb a place of public use, and attempted destruction of property by means of fire or explosives. He was arrested in Turkey and brought to the United States to face charges.