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Iraqi National Charged in U.S. with Conspiring to Commit Terrorist Attacks in Europe and North America

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Federal Authorities Arrest Iraqi National Tied to 20 International Terror Attacks

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national, faces six federal terrorism charges for allegedly orchestrating 18 attacks in Europe, two in Canada, and plotting attacks in the United States.

Charges Filed

Al-Saadi was ordered held without bail following his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court. The criminal complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, includes six counts:

Charge Maximum Penalty Conspiracy to provide material support to Kata'ib Hizballah 20 years Conspiracy to provide material support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) 20 years Conspiracy to provide material support for acts of terrorism 15 years Providing material support for acts of terrorism 15 years Conspiracy to bomb a place of public use Life Attempted destruction of property by means of fire or explosive 5 years mandatory minimum; up to 20 years

Alleged Operational Role

The complaint alleges al-Saadi is a senior member and commander for Kata'ib Hizballah, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization. Court documents indicate he worked closely with Qasem Soleimani, the former commander of the IRGC Qods Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the former leader of Kata'ib Hizballah. Both men were killed in 2020.

Al-Saadi allegedly directed attacks on behalf of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), which prosecutors describe as a front for Kata'ib Hizballah, Hezbollah, and the IRGC.

Attacks in Europe

The complaint details specific attacks al-Saadi is accused of directing or coordinating:

  • March 15, 2026: An explosive attack targeted the Bank of New York Mellon in Amsterdam. Al-Saadi allegedly posted a propaganda video the following day.
  • April 12, 2026: An arson attack was committed against a synagogue in Skopje, North Macedonia. A related video was posted on April 16.
  • April 29, 2026: Two Jewish men, including a dual U.S.-British citizen, were stabbed in London.
  • An attempted attack on a Bank of America branch in Paris was foiled.

Planned Attacks in North America

Prosecutors allege al-Saadi provided maps and photographs of a synagogue in New York City, as well as locations in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona.

According to the complaint, in April and May 2026, al-Saadi communicated with an individual he believed to be a member of a Mexican cartel—who was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. He allegedly discussed using improvised explosive devices or arson.

Regarding the New York plot, prosecutors allege that al-Saadi agreed to pay $10,000 in cryptocurrency for the attack, sending $3,000 as a down payment, and demanded the attack be carried out on April 6, 2026. When the attack did not occur, he allegedly texted the undercover agent the next morning asking why.

Arrest and Custody

Authorities have not provided specific details about al-Saadi's arrest. Flight records indicate a Justice Department aircraft flew to Turkey and returned via Morocco, landing in the New York City area late Thursday.

Al-Saadi's attorney, Andrew J. Dalack, stated he believes his client was arrested in Turkey by Turkish authorities, likely at the request of U.S. authorities, and handed over without an opportunity to contest the legality of his detention or transport.

Al-Saadi is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn pending trial. His next hearing is scheduled for June 29.

Official Statements

  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the charges show law enforcement will use all tools to disrupt foreign terrorist organizations.
  • FBI Director Kash Patel described the operation as a "righteous mission" and thanked allies, including Ambassador Tom Barrack.
  • Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg noted that al-Saadi discussed attacking locations in New York, California, and Arizona.
  • U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said al-Saadi attempted to carry out attacks in the United States, including in New York City.
  • FBI Assistant Director James C. Barnacle, Jr. stated that al-Saadi directed 18 terrorist attacks in Europe and planned an attack in the United States.
  • NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said the NYPD disrupted a plot against a Manhattan synagogue and highlighted threats posed by the Iranian regime and its proxies.
  • New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed relief that everyone is safe and condemned antisemitism and terrorism.
  • New York Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed gratitude to law enforcement and noted increased security.

Investigation and Prosecution

The case is being investigated by:

  • FBI's New York Joint Terrorism Task Force
  • FBI Washington Field Office

With assistance from:

  • Department of Justice National Security Division
  • Office of International Affairs
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • NYPD
  • New York State Police

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle and Sarah L. Kushner, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Paul Casey and James Donnelly.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.