An alleged Iraqi militia leader, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, is facing charges for orchestrating a series of antisemitic assaults in the UK. According to reports, he was recorded boasting about his involvement in running multiple terrorist cells in Europe and expressing a willingness to carry out violent acts. Al-Saadi is accused of being behind various attacks in London, such as firebombing Jewish community vehicles, a synagogue, and stabbing Jewish individuals. The US Department of Justice has filed charges linking him to at least 18 terrorist incidents in America and Europe.
Recorded conversations with an FBI informant revealed Al-Saadi’s statements about his role in organizing attacks in Europe and his views on violence. He mentioned having no need for assistance in Europe but expressed interest in potential actions in Canada or the US. Allegedly, he stated in Arabic that the conflict would persist until one side eradicated the other.
The charges also connect Al-Saadi to a group named Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (Hayi), which claimed responsibility for the attacks on social media. The incidents occurred following military actions by the US and Israel against Iran. Al-Saadi is accused of providing support to Hayi and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, both designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the US government.
In addition to plotting terrorist activities, Al-Saadi is accused of conspiring to bomb public places and supporting acts of terrorism. His lawyer has argued that he is a political prisoner and faces persecution due to his association with former IRGC leader Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike. Al-Saadi’s social media posts, including one targeting President Trump, have been cited as evidence in the case against him.
Following his arrest in Turkey, Al-Saadi appeared in court in the US and was remanded in custody. He is reported to have shown no emotion during the proceedings. Allegedly, he claimed responsibility for attacks on social media platforms on behalf of Hayi, an organization previously unknown to security services before the Iran conflict.
