US Emphasizes Countering Iran's 'Malicious Influence'; 'Ansarullah Al-Awfiya' Group Added to Special Terrorism List

On Monday, June 18, the US State Department announced that the Iraqi militia group 'Ansarullah Al-Awfiya' has been added to the special terrorism list, emphasizing its commitment to countering the 'malicious influence' of the Islamic Republic as a primary supporter of terrorism worldwide. The State Department highlighted the need to 'reduce and disrupt the capabilities' of militia groups aligned with the 'Iranian regime' to conduct attacks against US personnel, facilities, and interests. According to Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists, terrorist organizations, leaders, and officials of terrorist groups, as well as those who support terrorists or terrorist activities, the militia group Ansarullah Al-Awfiya and its Secretary-General Haidar Mazir Malak Al-Saeedi have been designated as specially designated global terrorists. Reports indicate that 'Ansarullah Al-Awfiya' is an Iranian-backed militia based in Iraq and part of what is referred to as the 'Islamic Resistance of Iraq,' which has carried out dozens of attacks against US military forces in Iraq and Syria. This group has also openly threatened to continue attacking US interests in the region. Previously, the US had designated the 'Kata'ib Hezbollah' group in 2009, the 'Harakat al-Nujaba' group in 2019, and the 'Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada' militia in November 2023 as terrorist organizations. All these organizations are Iranian-backed proxy groups based in Iraq and have conducted various attacks against US interests in the Middle East. Notable attacks include a drone strike on January 28, 2024, at Tower 22 in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three US soldiers, a missile attack on Al-Asad Airbase on January 20, 2024, and a missile attack on the Conoco base, a mission support base in northeastern Syria on December 8, 2023, among other destructive actions by these groups against US forces and interests. The US has sanctioned several supply networks for the Houthis, imposed sanctions on individuals and companies for 'aiding the Houthis, Hezbollah, and the IRGC,' and sanctioned four entities and one individual involved in the Iranian drone program. Two US officials stated that Washington supports the designation of the IRGC as a 'terrorist organization worldwide.' The US Treasury Department has issued warnings regarding the financial activities of terrorist organizations supported by the Iranian government, and the US announced cooperation with allies to design a 'unified strategy' in response to the actions of the Islamic Republic.