US Imposes Sanctions on Iran-Backed Militia Groups Attacking American Forces in Iraq

Iraq's Kataeb Hezbollah (KH) militia, closely tied to Iran, has dismissed U.S. sanctions imposed on the group over attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, stating that the strikes aim to "drain the enemy." The U.S. blames Iran and its supported militia groups for over 60 attacks since mid-October. The sanctions target KH members, including a member of the group's decision-making body and a military commander who has allegedly worked with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. Another militia group, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, and its secretary general were also designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Militia groups in Iraq have linked the recent attacks to U.S. support for Israel in the Gaza conflict.