US designates 4 Iran-backed groups in Iraq as 'foreign terrorist organizations'

The US has designated 4 Iran-affiliated militia groups operating in Iraq as foreign terrorist organizations. In a written press statement issued by the US Department of State, it was stated, "The US continues its fight against Iran, the world's leading sponsor of terrorism, and against the attacks by Iran-affiliated militia groups on US personnel and facilities.

The Iran-affiliated militia groups Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata'ib al-Imam Ali have been added to the list of foreign terrorist organizations," the statement said.

"ATTACKS WERE CARRIED OUT ON US AND COALITION BASES IN BAGHDAD"

The statement noted that these groups had previously been designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT), adding, "Iran continues to provide support that enables these militias to plan, facilitate, or directly carry out attacks across Iraq. Iran-affiliated groups have carried out attacks on the US Embassy in Baghdad and on bases housing US and Coalition forces. These groups often use front names or proxy groups to conceal Iran's direct role," the statement said.

"AIMING TO CUT OFF REVENUE FOR THE IRANIAN REGIME"

The statement indicated that this decision supports the "maximum pressure" policy on Iran under US President Donald Trump's 2nd National Security Presidential Memorandum. In the US Department of State's statement, it was said, "This policy aims to cut off revenue flowing to the Iranian regime and Iranian militia groups. The US will continue to use all available tools to protect its national security interests and to prevent the provision of funding and resources to terrorists."