Tag Archives: Kataib Hezbollah

Kataib Hezbollah threatens US bases in the Middle East if US strikes Iran

| January 18, 2026

Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi Shiite militia, warned the United States that if Washington launched a war with Iran, the group would attack American bases in the region. The threat comes amid rising tension between Washington and Tehran as the Islamic Republic continues a brutal crackdown on demonstrations that began nearly three weeks ago.

Iraqi militias divided on disarming and accepting government control

| December 23, 2025

Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are reportedly considering an initiative to disarm and place their weapons under government control. The militias, part of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), have been incorporated as independent units within Iraq’s security forces since 2016. Kataib Hezbollah, one of the most powerful of militias, has rejected disarmament, while the US lauded the potential development.

Iraqi parliamentary candidate killed in car bombing

| October 16, 2025

Safaa al Mashhadani was reportedly killed in a car bombing on October 15 in Tarmiya, a town north of Baghdad. Mashhadani was a candidate with the Sovereignty (Siyada) Alliance, an important Sunni party running in the country’s November elections. Iraqi media reports indicate the attack has the hallmarks of a targeted assassination, and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) called for a transparent investigation.

Princeton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov freed in Iraq

| September 10, 2025

Princeton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was kidnapped by Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah in March 2023 and holds Israeli and Russian citizenship, was freed in Iraq on September 9, according to President Donald Trump. The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office claimed that security agencies in the country had secured her release, and they would pursue those “involved in this crime and hold them accountable.” A source reported to be from Kataib Hezbollah claimed the group had released her to avoid conflict in Iraq and in light of the US withdrawal from the country.

Iranian-backed militias threaten US amid rising tensions in Iraq over Iran-Israel conflict

| June 20, 2025

Tensions in Iraq have grown in the wake of the Israeli attack on Iran on June 12. Pro-Iranian Iraqi militias have increased their threats against US forces and held rallies against the US presence in Iraq. The Iraqi government has sent security forces to Nineveh Governorate to prevent the area from being used by militias to launch rockets. In addition, several drones launched by Iran have crashed in Iraq.

Iraqi militias largely rely on rhetoric in response to Israel-Iran conflict—for now

| June 16, 2025

Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have refrained from attacking Israel directly since the start of the war between Israel and Iran on June 13. However, there have been two unclaimed attacks on US interests in Iraq since Operation Rising Lion began, and the Iraqi groups have ramped up anti-Israeli and anti-American rhetoric, threatening US interests and mobilizing supporters through propaganda channels.

Iran-backed Shiite militias attack US forces based in Iraq

| June 15, 2025

The Islamic Resistance of Iraq has carried out more than 180 such attacks against US forces in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan since October 7, 2023. The most recent attack risks drawing US forces into an offensive role in Israel’s war with Iran. Thus far, the US has attempted only to provide defensive support for Israel in the conflict.

Efforts continue to free kidnapped Princeton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov  

| May 30, 2025

Reports in Iraqi, Israeli, Lebanese, and US media indicate that efforts continue to free Princeton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was kidnapped in Iraq 800 days ago in March 2023. The Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah is believed to be holding Tsurkov in Iraq, and pressure on the Iraqi government to find and free her has increased over the last six months. Recent reports indicate that Tsurkov could be exchanged for several people held in different countries who Kataib Hezbollah wants to be freed.

Iraqi PMF member

Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah militia denies report it will disarm

| April 8, 2025

Kataib Hezbollah issued a statement on April 8 rejecting a Reuters report that said it was considering disarmament. Iraq has been under pressure to rein in Iranian-backed militias that are part of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), of which Kataib Hezbollah is a key member. A member of Iraq’s parliament said the PMF is essential for defending Iraq, and the organization’s units conducted several operations across the country, showcasing their presence.

Mohammed Shia al Sudani

After 2 years, Iraq claims to be searching for kidnapped researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov

| March 6, 2025

On March 5, Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassem al Araji said that Baghdad is trying to locate kidnapped researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli and Russian citizen who was abducted in March 2023. Israeli officials have blamed Kataib Hezbollah for kidnapping Tsurkov, and her case has received increased attention in the last two months since the Trump administration entered office.

Falih al Fyyadh at Nasrallah's funeral

Pro-Iranian Iraqi militia leaders gather in Lebanon for Hezbollah leader’s funeral

| February 23, 2025

Falih al Fayyadh, the head of Iraq’s largely pro-Iranian Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), traveled to Beirut for the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on February 23. Other senior members of pro-Iranian militias in Iraq also attended the funeral, and several militia leaders put out statements. Hezbollah-affiliated media claimed approximately 200,000 Iraqis came to Lebanon for the event, though this number is unverified.

Iraqi militia leader speech

Iranian-backed militias in Iraq face an uncertain future

| January 28, 2025

Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, collectively part of the Hashd al Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Units), face increasing calls to place their arms under state control or lay them down entirely. The fall of the Assad regime, a new administration in Washington, and the Gaza ceasefire have put these groups under the spotlight in Iraqi politics.

In pictures: Shiite militias operating near Tikrit

| March 10, 2015

Several Shiite militias, which are supported by the Iranian Qods Force, and the Iraqi Security Forces have taken over several surrounding towns of Tikrit. These militias have published several photos and videos from these towns in recent days.