Kataib Hezbollah

Iraq’s militia state: Shelly Kittleson’s kidnapping exposes who runs Baghdad

BEHIND THE LINES: Since October 2023, forces associated with the PMF – that is, affiliated with the government of Iraq – engaged in ongoing attacks against US personnel and positions.

US JOURNALIST Shelly Kittleson is pictured in Baghdad on March 31, shortly before she was abducted. Her disappearance has focused attention on the threat posed by Iran-backed militias and the deteriorating security environment in postwar Iraq.
US journalist Shelly Kittleson poses for a picture in Baghdad on March 31, 2026.

Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah to release abducted American journalist Shelly Kittleson

Members of the Hashd al-Shaabi gather in Basra, southern Iraq, to hold a memorial ceremony for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, carrying Khamenei posters and Hashd al-Shaabi and Kataib Hezbollah flags while chanting slogans in support of Iran on March 08, 2026.

Iranian-backed militia in Iraq sends mixed messages about new attacks - analysis

Smoke rises from a high-rise building following a drone attack in Kuwait City on March 8, 2026.

Fanning flames of war, Iran appears to activate Gulf terror cells as conflict expands - analysis


'Swarm of suicide drones' attacks US army base in Syria in retaliation for Baghdad airstrike

The attack has been linked to the retaliatory US airstrikes against Iranian-aligned groups and their positions.

 US forces set up a new base in Manbij, Syria May 8, 2018

Drone strike on vehicle in Baghdad kills Kataib Hezbollah commander

Iraq has witnessed tit-for-tat attacks between hardline Iran-backed armed groups and US forces stationed there.

A member of Hashd al-Shaabi (paramilitary forces) holds a flag of Kataib Hezbollah militia group during a protest to condemn air strikes on their bases, in Baghdad, Iraq December 31, 2019

White House names Iranian proxy groups responsible for attack

Biden can retaliate without effect on hostage deal, Washington says.

 Kataib Hezbollah Iraqi militia gather ahead of the funeral of the Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was killed in an air strike at Baghdad airport, in Baghdad, Iraq, January 4, 2020.

Iran’s ‘attack and demand ceasefire’ doctrine plays out in Iraq

 The Iranian policy with Kataib Hezbollah is similar to its policy with Hamas after the massive unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7.

 Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim men from the Iranian-backed group Kataib Hezbollah wave the party's flags as they walk along a street painted in the colours of the Israeli flag during a parade marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of Ramadan, in Baghdad. July 25, 2014

US airstrikes in Syria are not a game-changer - analysis

Iranian-backed groups have also targeted US forces in Iraq and Syria over the last four years with dozens of attacks.

 Mourners react next to the coffins of Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah fighters who were killed by US airstrike in Jurf al-Sakhar, south of Baghdad during a funeral in Baghdad, Iraq November 22, 2023

Iraqi militia attempts drone attack on Eilat, drone intercepted over Jordan

This hints that the IRGC is likely coordinating the attacks and "corralling" Iran's proxies which would normally argue over public leadership.

 Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim men from the Iranian-backed group Kataib Hezbollah wave the party's flags as they walk along a street painted in the colours of the Israeli flag during a parade marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of Ramadan, in Baghdad. July 25, 2014

Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah vows more attacks on US forces

The group, which goes by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed 11 attacks against US forces on Friday, the most in a single day since they began in mid-October.

 Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim men from the Iranian-backed group Kataib Hezbollah wave the party's flags as they walk along a street painted in the colours of the Israeli flag during a parade marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of Ramadan, in Baghdad. July 25, 2014

US eliminates Iran-backed militants in Iraq amid continued rocket, drone attacks

A ballistic missile attack that targeted Ain al-Assad caused one death, several non-serious injuries, and some minor damage to infrastructure.

 A member of Hashd al-Shaabi (paramilitary forces) holds a flag of Kataib Hezbollah militia group during a protest to condemn air strikes on their bases, outside the main gate of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq December 31, 2019.

US issues sanctions targeting group in Iraq it says is behind recent attacks

The US Treasury Department in a statement on Friday said it imposed sanctions on six people affiliated with Kata’ib Hezbollah.

 People take part in the funeral of Hezbollah member Abbas Shuman, who was killed in southern Lebanon amid tension between Israel and Hezbollah, during his funeral, in Baalbek, Lebanon, October 23, 2023

Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah threatens escalation if Blinken visits Baghdad

A senior leader of Kataib Hezbollah warned that Blinken, who they referred to as "son of a Jew," was not welcome in Iraq.

 A member of Hashd al-Shaabi (paramilitary forces) holds a flag of Kataib Hezbollah militia group during a protest to condemn air strikes on their bases, outside the main gate of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq December 31, 2019.