15.04.2026 10:19
The United States has placed a reward of up to $10 million for information on Ahmed al-Hamidawi, the leader of Kata'ib Hezbollah operating in Iraq. Washington has accused al-Hamidawi of orchestrating attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities. The leader, who is said to have been trained by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, leads an organization known for attacks and kidnapping operations against U.S. personnel, and most recently kidnapped and released an American journalist.
The U.S. Department of State announced that it will offer a reward of up to $10 million for information on Ahmed al-Hamidawi, the leader of the Kata'ib Hezbollah group, which operates in Iraq and is known for its ties to Iran.
U.S. TARGETS
In a statement under the "Rewards for Justice" program, it was stated that al-Hamidawi, the leader of Kata'ib Hezbollah, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., has played an active role in attacks against U.S. targets, especially recently.
The Department stated that al-Hamidawi directed attacks against U.S. diplomatic facilities last month.
YEARS OF TARGETING U.S. INTERESTS
The statement expressed that the group has been carrying out attacks against U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq for many years. It was noted that Kata'ib Hezbollah has conducted attacks using improvised explosive devices, rockets, and drones, kidnapped U.S. citizens, and caused civilian deaths.
EMPHASIS ON IRAN CONNECTION
The U.S. also claimed that al-Hamidawi was trained by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in political, military, and intelligence fields. This situation once again brought Washington's concerns about Tehran-backed militia structures to the agenda.
THEY HAD KIDNAPPED AN AMERICAN JOURNALIST
It was also reminded that Kata'ib Hezbollah recently kidnapped American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson. The group released Kittleson after holding her for a week as a result of a prisoner exchange with Iraqi authorities.
TENSION ESCALATING
This move by the U.S. indicates that the tension with Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq has reached a new level, and it is assessed that security risks in the region may increase.