Kataib Hezbollah

Millions of Shiite Muslims participated in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala, Iraq, amid regional tensions and fears of US-Iran escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attended, highlighting Iraq's balancing act between Washington and Tehran, while economic struggles and militia disarming efforts complicate the country's stability.

Millions of Shiite Muslims participated in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq amid regional tensions and fears of U.S.-Iran escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi joined the pilgrimage, highlighting Iraq's delicate balancing act between Washington and Tehran. Economic challenges, including disrupted oil exports due to the Strait of Hormuz closure, and efforts to disarm Iran-backed militias like Kataib Hezbollah further complicate the situation.

Millions of Shiite Muslims participated in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala, Iraq, amid regional tensions and fears of U.S.-Iran escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi joined the event, highlighting Iraq's delicate position between Washington and Tehran. Reduced numbers of non-Iranian pilgrims were noted due to regional conflicts, while Iraq faces economic strain from disrupted oil exports and challenges disarming Iran-backed militias.

Millions of Shiite Muslims participated in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala, Iraq, amid regional tensions and fears of U.S.-Iran escalation. Iraqi authorities reported over 4.88 million pilgrims entering the country, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi among notable attendees. Iraq faces economic challenges from disrupted oil exports and struggles to disarm Iran-backed militias.

An Iran-backed Iraqi militia, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, announced plans to transfer its weapons to state control, aligning with the new Iraqi government's efforts to integrate militias under state authority. Other groups, including Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba, have rejected disarmament, citing sovereignty and resistance to foreign troop presence.

The article draws parallels between current European hybrid threats and post-9/11 terrorism, urging adaptation of counterterrorism cooperation models. It highlights Russia and Iran's use of proxies and digital platforms to recruit individuals for sabotage and assassination plots, which align with the FBI's definition of international terrorism. The U.S. counterterrorism strategy acknowledges collaboration with European partners to address these covert state actions.

An anti-Israel protest in Manhattan featured Hamas and Hezbollah flags, despite condemnation of a terror plot against Jews by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The protest drew around 500 demonstrators and was organized by groups including the Muslim American Society. The event occurred after federal authorities charged an alleged Kataib Hezbollah operative with plotting attacks on Jewish community centers.

An anti-Israel protest in Manhattan featured Hamas and Hezbollah flags, despite New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemning a terror plot against Jewish community centers. The protest drew around 500 demonstrators and was organized by groups including the Muslim American Society. The event occurred after federal authorities charged an alleged Kataib Hezbollah operative with plotting attacks on Jewish targets.

The US Justice Department has arrested and charged an Iraqi national who is a senior commander of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group. The suspect's arrest and charges are part of a larger effort to address Iran-backed militant activity. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.