The U.S. Department of State has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai, the leader of Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), an Iran-aligned armed group designated by Washington as a terrorist organization.
In a statement shared via social media on Thursday, U.S. officials said the reward is being offered as part of ongoing efforts to counter threats posed by KSS. According to the statement, the group has been responsible for attacks on Iraqi civilians, U.S. diplomatic facilities, and U.S. military bases and personnel in both Iraq and Syria.
The Department noted that individuals providing credible information may be eligible for financial compensation and potential relocation assistance.
Al-Saraji is also reported to hold a seat within Iraq’s Coordination Framework, the political alliance that commands a parliamentary majority.
Iran-aligned militias, including KSS, have carried out attacks targeting the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, as well as diplomatic and logistics facilities at Baghdad International Airport and oil infrastructure operated by foreign companies.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions following the outbreak of conflict triggered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which have drawn Iraq further into broader Middle East instability.
Earlier this month, U.S. authorities issued a similar reward offer for the leader of Kataeb Hezbollah, another Iran-aligned group accused of abducting U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was released after being held for one week.