Iraqi Hezbollah slams inclusion on US ‘terrorist’ list

By Amir al-Hassani

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraq’s Hezbollah al-Nujaba Movement, a pro-Iran militia group, has condemned the addition of its name to Washington’s list of “terrorist groups”, describing the move as “psychological warfare”.

Earlier this week, the U.S. announced that it had added the group -- along with leader Akram al-Kaabi -- to its list of groups accused of carrying out terrorist acts.

Group spokesman Hashim al-Mousawi responded to the move in a Wednesday statement, saying: “The U.S. does not have the right to accuse us of terrorism.”

Hezbollah al-Nujaba is an offshoot of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq, a militant faction of Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi group.

Established in 2014 to fight the Daesh terrorist group, the Hashd al-Shaabi -- a predominantly Shia fighting force -- was formally incorporated into the Iraqi army in 2017.

Hezbollah al-Nujaba is reportedly active in both Iraq and Syria. According to press reports, it helped Iran establish a supply route to Damascus via Iraq.

Group leaders openly declare their support for the government in Tehran.

According to the U.S. State Department, al-Kaabi established Hezbollah al-Nujaba with Iranian assistance, and the group receives funding from Baghdad despite its stated support for the Iranian leadership.