US Announces $10 Million Reward for Information on Iraqi Militia Leader

The United States Department of State is offering a reward of up to $10 million, equivalent to Rp 172.8 billion, for information about the leader of the Iran-backed Iraqi militia group Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS). Washington has designated KSS as a terrorist organisation.

US officials stated in a social media post on Thursday (23/4), as reported by AFP on Friday (24/4/2026), that they are seeking information on KSS leader Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walaai.

Washington accuses KSS of “killing Iraqi civilians and attacking US diplomatic facilities in Iraq, as well as attacking bases and US military personnel in Iraq and Syria”.

The US officials’ post emphasised that “you may be eligible for relocation and a reward” for information on al-Saraji’s whereabouts.

Al-Saraji is known to hold a seat in the Coordination Framework, the Iran-dominant Shia alliance that holds a majority of seats in parliament.

Pro-Iran groups in Iraq have targeted the US Embassy in Baghdad, Washington’s diplomatic and logistical facilities at Baghdad airport, and several oil fields in Iran operated by foreign companies.

Iraq, which has recently regained stability after decades of conflict, has been quickly drawn into the Middle East war triggered when the US and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran on 28 February.

Earlier this month, a similar reward was offered for the leader of Kataeb Hezbollah, an influential Iraqi armed group. That group abducted US journalist Shelly Kittleson last month and held her for a week before releasing her.

According to US media reports this week, Washington has increased pressure on Baghdad to combat pro-Tehran groups by suspending cash funding deliveries and freezing funding for security programmes in Iraq.