An Iraqi national accused of masterminding nearly 20 terrorist attacks throughout Europe and planning assaults on Jewish institutions in the United States has been extradited to New York to face federal terrorism charges. This significant move follows what the FBI has termed a major international operation.
Since March, it is alleged that Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, alongside his associates, orchestrated 18 attacks under the banner of Ashab al-Yamin. This pro-Iranian Islamist organization has claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Jewish schools, synagogues, and charities across Europe, as well as striking American, Israeli, and Iranian opposition interests, according to the FBI.
FBI Director Kash Patel commended the operation, stating, “The FBI’s successful foreign transfer of custody of Mohammad Al-Saadi, a high-value target responsible for extensive global terrorism, marks another triumph in this administration’s unprecedented efforts to bring terrorists to justice.” He praised the mission’s execution, highlighting the collaboration between agents, investigators, tactical units, and interagency partners.
Al-Saadi, now in custody, is set to face terrorism charges in the United States. He is accused of planning a series of European attacks that targeted U.S. and Israeli interests. The Justice Department has confirmed these allegations.
Patel also expressed gratitude for international cooperation, particularly acknowledging Ambassador Tom Barrack’s role in coordinating the joint operation. Barrack’s involvement was pivotal in ensuring the mission’s success and bringing al-Saadi to the United States.
The FBI reported that on March 9, Al-Saadi allegedly used his Telegram account to post a message featuring the Ashab al-Yamin logo. The message purportedly called for the “warriors of Islam” to engage in jihad, further implicating him in the group’s activities.
FBI Director Kash Patel called the arrest a “righteous mission” and said the operation marked another major victory in the administration’s effort to bring global terrorists to justice. (Anna Moneymaker)
Al-Saadi has posted Ashab al-Yamin-branded propaganda videos claiming responsibility for the attacks, including video recordings from attacks against Jewish places or persons in Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, according to federal prosecutors.
The FBI said it took action after learning that Al-Saadi was planning to expand Ashab al-Yamin’s operations to the United States. He allegedly directed other individuals in an attempt to coordinate terrorist attacks in the United States against synagogues and other Jewish institutions across the country.
Al-Saadi has also allegedly publicly threatened President Donald Trump and his family, authorities said.
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi was taken to New York where he will face terrorism charges. (Justice Department)
He was expected to appear in a New York federal courtroom on Friday on six terrorism charges, including six terrorism charges in New York, including conspiring to provide material support to terrorist groups.
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