The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced on Apr. 17 that it has sanctioned seven Iraqi militia commanders accused of planning and carrying out attacks against U.S. personnel, facilities, and interests in Iraq.
These individuals are described as leaders within some of Iraq’s most violent Iran-aligned militias, including Kata’ib Hizballah, Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada, Harakat Al-Nujaba, and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haqq. The Treasury said these groups operate with little restraint, targeting both Americans and civilians while undermining Iraq’s sovereignty.
“We will not allow Iraq’s terrorist militias, backed by Iran, to threaten American lives or interests,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “Those who enable these militias’ violence will be held accountable.”
The designations were made under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and their supporters. The groups mentioned have previously been labeled as Specially Designated Global Terrorists and Foreign Terrorist Organizations under U.S. law.
According to the Treasury release, property or interests belonging to those designated that are within the United States or controlled by U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control). Entities owned fifty percent or more by these individuals are also subject to blocking measures.
Violations of these sanctions can result in civil or criminal penalties for both U.S. and foreign persons involved in prohibited transactions with designated individuals or entities. OFAC may impose civil penalties on a strict liability basis for such violations.
Foreign financial institutions engaging in significant transactions with those sanctioned risk secondary sanctions themselves—including restrictions on opening accounts in the United States—if they knowingly facilitate activities on behalf of a designated person.
The Treasury emphasized that its ultimate goal is behavioral change rather than punishment: "The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior." Individuals seeking removal from sanction lists may refer to OFAC guidance regarding petitions for removal.
