US Interrogations Expose Hidden Militia Networks in Baghdad

Interrogations of Muhammad Baqir al-Saadi, who was detained by the United States and described as linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, have exposed critical information on secret networks tied to armed groups in Baghdad. Sensitive data from electronic devices seized with him, including a mobile phone and a laptop, reportedly helped decode communication channels used by armed structures inside Iraq. The investigations indicated that some field operatives and special groups were acting outside their traditional chain of command and coordinating directly with the Quds Force and Saadi’s network. The findings point to the existence of a parallel and covert structure within the armed groups. As the inquiries deepened, some individuals linked to these networks were said to have relocated, replaced their communication devices and changed their movement routes. Others were reported to have left Iraq for Iran and other countries out of concern they could face arrest or assassination. Saadi has also been accused by the FBI of planning 20 terror attacks in Europe and targeting Jewish institutions in the United States. He is additionally alleged to have been behind a planned assassination attempt against Ivanka Trump. The Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq denied that Saadi belonged to them, but said he supported the resistance.