Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
Caliph - deceased
Former leader of the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI)
Kiyumars Heidari is the U.S.-designated commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army Ground Forces.“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of State, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran. On September 22, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Abnoush as a Specially Designated National (SDN) for his role in suppressing dissent throughout Iran and being complicit in serious human rights abuses against Iranian citizens and residents.“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of State, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran.
Heidari is the commander of the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces. Under Heidari’s command, his force was involved in the violent response to the November 2019 protests that led to the death of hundreds of protesters."Treasury Sanctions Iran’s Morality Police and Senior Security Officials for Violence Against Protesters and the Death of Mahsa Amini,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 22, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0969.
The ground forces are only one component of Iran’s extensive security apparatus, which among others includes the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij. The IRGC is an Iranian government agency tasked with defending the regime against internal and external threats, of which the Basij, is a paramilitary organization charged with channeling popular support for the Iranian regime.“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of State, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran. In September 2022, the IRGC and the Basij joined in violently suppressing protests that erupted after the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained by Tehran’s morality police, the Guidance Patrol, earlier in the month. The Guidance Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later. In response, protests erupted across the country against Iran’s theocratic rule. On September 22, the IRGC issued a statement of support for Iranian police in combating the protests and accused protesters of sedition. At least 57 protesters were killed since the protests began after confrontations with Iranian security forces, but information has been limited due to disrupted and limited Internet access throughout the country.Arsalan Shahla, “Iran Launches Artillery Against Militants in Northern Iraq,” Bloomberg, September 24, 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-24/iran-launches-artillery-against-militants-in-northern-iraq; “Exclusive: IRGC Commanders’ Families Placed in Tehran ‘Safe House,” Iran Wire, September 26, 2022, https://iranwire.com/en/iran/107958-exclusive-irgc-commanders-families-placed-in-tehran-safe-house; “IRGC will not hesitate to target origin of any anti-Iran operation wherever it may be: General,” Press TV, September 27, 2022, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/09/27/689915/IRGC-will-not-hesitate-target-origin-any-anti-Iran-operation-General; Caitlin McFall, “The Guardian Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later.,” Fox News, September 24, 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/world/protestors-clash-revolutionary-guard-northern-iran-torch-irgc-base-reports; “Iran’s Guards Break Their Silence, Warn Protesters,” Iran International, September 22, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202209229946.
Subsequently, on September 22, 2022, the U.S. Treasury Department designated Heidari as an SDN for acting on behalf of the government of Iran and being complicit in the commission of serious human rights against Iranian citizens or residents."Treasury Sanctions Iran’s Morality Police and Senior Security Officials for Violence Against Protesters and the Death of Mahsa Amini,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 22, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0969.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Kiyumars Heidari as a Specially Designated National on September 22, 2022.“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of State, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran.
Bassem Saadi is the West Bank head of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Israeli forces arrested him in early August 2022, sparking calls for retribution from PIJ and a renewed confrontation between PIJ and Israel later that week.Fares Akram and Joseph Krauss, “Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 8, including senior militant,” Associated Press, August 5, 2022, https://apnews.com/article/israel-strikes-gaza-rising-tensions-4539de5f30c605b3423d3472351cd638; Emanuel Fabian, “IDF arrests senior PIJ member in Jenin; Palestinian teen from PIJ killed in the raid,” Times of Israel, August 2, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinian-teen-killed-during-idf-raid-of-jenin-to-arrest-senior-pij-member/.
Late on August 1, 2022, Israeli forces entered the West Bank city of Jenin to arrest Saadi at his home. Israeli soldiers also arrested Saadi’s son-in-law and aide, Ashraf al-Jada. Israeli forces seized a gun, ammunition, and cash during the raid. A local PIJ cell opened fire on the Israeli soldiers, who returned fire and reportedly wounded several of the PIJ gunmen. A 17-year-old member of PIJ, identified as Dirar al-Kafrayni, was killed during the firefight. According to some reports, Saadi was injured during the arrest. It was the eighth time Israel had arrested Saadi.Emanuel Fabian, “IDF arrests senior PIJ member in Jenin; Palestinian teen from PIJ killed in the raid,” Times of Israel, August 2, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinian-teen-killed-during-idf-raid-of-jenin-to-arrest-senior-pij-member/. According to Israel’s Shin Bet security service, Saadi had been recently working hard “to restore the Islamic Jihad’s operations, in which he was instrumental in establishing a strong military force in Samaria,” the biblical name for the West Bank, “in general and in Jenin in particular. His presence was a significant factor in radicalizing the organization’s operatives.”Anna Ahronheim, “IDF hoping for quiet, ready for anything after arrest of PIJ leader – analysis,” Jerusalem Post, August 2, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-713736.
Palestinian media distributed footage of Israeli soldiers dragging Saadi away. In another clip, Saadi is bitten by a military dog.Anna Ahronheim, “IDF hoping for quiet, ready for anything after arrest of PIJ leader – analysis,” Jerusalem Post, August 2, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-713736. Other footage showed a convoy of Israeli military vehicles entering Jenin. Heavy gunfire can be heard in other footage from the raid. In response to Saadi’s arrest, PIJ issued a statement it was declaring a state of “alertness” and raising its fighters’ “readiness.”Emanuel Fabian, “IDF arrests senior PIJ member in Jenin; Palestinian teen from PIJ killed in the raid,” Times of Israel, August 2, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinian-teen-killed-during-idf-raid-of-jenin-to-arrest-senior-pij-member/. News of Saadi’s arrest, combined with hostile PIJ propaganda, resulted in protests against Israel in Gaza and the West Bank. A Palestinian teenager was killed during protests after he threw an explosive device toward Israeli soldiers. The Shin Bet attempted to calm the Palestinian public by releasing two photos of Saadi in an interrogation room with a bandage on his head but otherwise uninjured.Anna Ahronheim, “IDF hoping for quiet, ready for anything after arrest of PIJ leader – analysis,” Jerusalem Post, August 2, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-713736.
On August 5, 2022, Israel launched Operation “Breaking Dawn,” striking PIJ targets in Gaza. At least 10 people were killed, including senior PIJ command Tayseer Jabari. PIJ Secretary-General Ziad al-Nakhalah warned there would be no red lines against Israel and PIJ was “going into battle.”“Islamic Jihad’s leader, currently in Tehran, vows: ‘We are going into battle,’” Times of Israel, August 5, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/islamic-jihads-leader-currently-in-tehran-vows-we-are-going-into-battle/. That day, PIJ launched dozens of missiles toward Israeli civilian centers. No Israeli casualties were reported.Steve Hendrix, Hazem Balousha and Shira Rubin, “Israeli strikes in Gaza kill senior militant leader and at least 9 others,” Washington Post, August 5, 2022, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/05/israel-gaza-idf-strike/.
Between August 5 and August 7, 2022, PIJ launched hundreds of rockets at Israel, which in turn targeted PIJ military sites with air strikes. On August 7, an Egypt-negotiated ceasefire went into effect. A PIJ spokesman claimed Egypt had also promised to work toward the release of Saadi and Khalil Awawdeh, a Palestinian security prisoner in Israel who had been on a hunger strike. Israel denied either prisoner’s release was part of the ceasefire. Nakhalah repeated the demand and threatened to resume violence if Saadi and Awawdeh were not released soon.Lahav Harkov, “‘Israel did not agree to free Islamic Jihad prisoners in Gaza ceasefire,’” Jerusalem Post, August 8, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-714168; Mohammed al-Hajjar, Lubna Masarwa, and Huthifa Fayyad, “Israel and Palestinians agree ceasefire following days of Gaza bombardment,” Middle East Eye, August 7, 2022, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-palestinians-gaza-agree-ceasefire-days-bombardment.
On August 25, 2022, Israeli military prosecution indicted Saadi on charges of membership in and performing services for an illegal association, aiding in contact with the enemy, and incitement. The prosecution requested Saadi be detained until the end of the legal proceedings in his case. After Saadi’s defense attorney requested to study the evidence against him, Saadi’s detention was extended until an August 28 hearing on the prosecution’s extension request.“Senior Jihadist whose arrest sparked Operation Breaking Dawn indicted,” Jerusalem Post, August 25, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-715575.
On February 28, 2023, Saadi agreed to a plea agreement with Israel. In exchange for a 22-month sentence, Saadi pleaded guilty to conducting activity on behalf of a banned organization, incitement. Saadi also pleaded guilty to assuming a false identity as he initially identified himself to Israeli forces as his brother Ghassan during his arrest.Emanuel Fabian, “Islamic Jihad leader whose arrest sparked 2022 Gaza conflict gets 22 months in jail,” Times of Israel, February 21, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/islamic-jihad-leader-whose-arrest-sparked-2022-gaza-conflict-gets-22-months-in-jail/.
Salih al-Sabawi was a chemical weapons engineer and a former member of al-Qaeda and ISIS. On January 24, 2015, Sabawi was killed in a U.S. airstrike near Mosul, Iraq.“ISIL Chemical Weapons Expert Killed in Coalition Airstrike,” Central Command, January 31, 2015, https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/NEWS-ARTICLES/News-Article-View/Article/884941/isil-chemical-weapons-expert-killed-in-coalition-airstrike/.
Sabawi was a Russian-trained engineer who worked as a chemical weapons engineer for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Sabawi worked at the Muthana chemical weapon production facility—Iraq’s primary site for the production of chemical weapons agents—before joining al-Qaeda in 2005.“ISIL Chemical Weapons Expert Killed in Coalition Airstrike,” Central Command, January 31, 2015, https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/NEWS-ARTICLES/News-Article-View/Article/884941/isil-chemical-weapons-expert-killed-in-coalition-airstrike/; “Isis seizes former chemical weapons plant in Iraq,” Associated Press, July 9, 2014, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/09/isis-seizes-chemical-weapons-plant-muthanna-iraq.
In the summer of 2014, Sabawi reportedly met with ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi where he later joined ISIS as the group’s chief chemical weapons engineer.Joby Warrick, “ISIS planned chemical attacks in Europe, new details on weapons program reveal,” July 11, 2022, Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/07/11/isis-chemical-biological-weapons/; “ISIL Chemical Weapons Expert Killed in Coalition Airstrike,” Central Command, January 31, 2015, https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/NEWS-ARTICLES/News-Article-View/Article/884941/isil-chemical-weapons-expert-killed-in-coalition-airstrike/. Sabawi was responsible for producing the group’s arsenal of chemical weapons, and within his first six months, ISIS managed to manufacture mustard gas, bombs, and rockets filled with chlorine.Joby Warrick, “ISIS planned chemical attacks in Europe, new details on weapons program reveal,” Washington Post, July 11, 2022, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/07/11/isis-chemical-biological-weapons/. However, during that time, U.S. and Iraqi Kurdish intelligence discovered that Sabawi was working to produce weaponized anthrax as well as neurotoxins and a toxin used by the Soviets in political assassinations.Joshua Thurston, “US airstrike ‘stopped Isis chemical weapons programme’,” The Times, July 12, 2022 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/us-airstrike-stopped-isis-chemical-weapons-programme-gqxmx2srq.
According to media sources, the weapons created by Sabawi were to be used by French and Belgian ISIS volunteers who went on to orchestrate the November 2015 Paris attacks, which killed 130 people and wounded around 400 others. The weapons Sabawi produced were set to target Western Europe as well as U.S. military bases.Joshua Thurston, “US airstrike ‘stopped Isis chemical weapons programme’,” The Times, July 12, 2022 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/us-airstrike-stopped-isis-chemical-weapons-programme-gqxmx2srq.
Sabawi’s efforts in producing, and ultimately using, chemical weapons for ISIS presented a significant threat to international security. On January 30, 2015, the United States launched an airstrike near Mosul, Iraq, targeting and killing Sabawi. Following the strike, the U.S. launched subsequent strikes that destroyed Sabawi’s network of labs and production centers. By 2016, all of ISIS’s known chemical weapons facilities were destroyed.“ISIL Chemical Weapons Expert Killed in Coalition Airstrike,” Central Command, January 31, 2015, https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/NEWS-ARTICLES/News-Article-View/Article/884941/isil-chemical-weapons-expert-killed-in-coalition-airstrike/.
Caliph - deceased
Former leader of the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI)
Sidan Ag-Hitta is an internationally designated senior leader of Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. JNIM, which was founded in March 2017, considers itself as al-Qaeda’s official branch in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Hitta is reportedly the commander of Kidal Region in Mali and was a part of the group responsible for the January 2019 attack on a U.N. base in northern Mali which killed 10 U.N. peacekeepers.“Ten UN peacekeepers killed in a terrorist attack in northern Mali,” United Nations, January 20, 2019, https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/01/1030892; “Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders. Given Hitta’s activities, the U.S. Department of State designated Hitta as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on August 6, 2021.“Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders. The European Union followed suit and added Hitta to the E.U. Council’s sanctions list on June 20, 2022.“COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2022/950 of 20 June 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/1693 concerning restrictive measures against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them,” Journal of the European Union, June 20, 2022, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022D0950.
According to media sources, Hitta was reportedly a soldier for the Malian armed forces before deserting the army to join insurgent groups.“Mali: Sidan Ag Hitta, terrorist leader, speaks in a message,” RFI, March 11, 2019, https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20190311-mali-sidan-ag-hitta-chef-terroriste-s-exprime-message. Based on information from the U.S. State Department, it is assumed Hitta first joined Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) before working his way through the ranks of JNIM. Hitta was linked to the abduction and murder of French reporters Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon in Kidal in November 2013. AQIM claimed responsibility for the attack. According to media sources, the journalists—who were covering the country’s legislative elections—were kidnapped and shot dead by armed men on November 2, 2013.“6 years on questions remain over murder of RFI journalists in Mali,” RFI, November 2, 2019, https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20191102-questions-remain-murder-dupont-verlon-mali-impunity-crimes-against-journalists.
Hitta kept a low profile until January 20, 2019, when Hitta and a group of JNIM gunmen ambushed peacekeepers from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Aguelhok, northern Mali. The ambush killed 10 and injured 25 others.“Mali: 10 UN peacekeepers killed in attack on Aguelhok base,” January 20, 2019, https://www.thedefensepost.com/2019/01/20/mali-8-un-peacekeepers-killed-aguelhok; “Ten UN peacekeepers killed in a terrorist attack in northern Mali,” United Nations, January 20, 2019, https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/01/1030892. On March 11, 2019, JNIM released a message across social media networks where Hitta was heard confirming the death of Yahia Abou Hammam, a major AQIM leader. Hitta was then heard threatening a Malian diplomat based in southern Algeria who he claimed is working “for enemies” of the insurgent group.“Mali: Sidan Ag Hitta, terrorist leader, speaks in a message,” RFI, March 11, 2019, https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20190311-mali-sidan-ag-hitta-chef-terroriste-s-exprime-message.
Given Hitta’s role within JNIM, on August 21, 2019, the U.S. Department of State designated Hitta as an SDGT.“Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders. On June 20, 2022, the Council of the European Union added Hitta to the EU sanctions list for his role in terrorist attacks that targeted civilians and the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali.“COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2022/950 of 20 June 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/1693 concerning restrictive measures against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them,” Journal of the European Union, June 20, 2022, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022D0950.
The U.S. Department of State designated Sidan Ag-Hitta as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on August 6, 2021.“Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders.
The European Union adds Sidan Ag-Hitta to the E.U. Council’s sanctions list on June 20, 2022.“COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2022/950 of 20 June 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/1693 concerning restrictive measures against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them,” Journal of the European Union, June 20, 2022, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022D0950.
Salem ould Breihmatt is an internationally designated senior leader of Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. JNIM, which was founded in March 2017, considers itself as al-Qaeda’s official branch in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Given Breihmatt’s position in JNIM, the U.S. Department of State designated Breihmatt as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on August 6, 2021.“Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders. The European Union followed suit and added Breihmatt to the E.U. Council’s sanctions list on June 20, 2022.“COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2022/950 of 20 June 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/1693 concerning restrictive measures against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them,” Journal of the European Union, June 20, 2022, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022D0950.
Breihmatt is an explosives expert and instructor who is reportedly JNIM’s emir of Arbinda and Serma in the Mopti Region of Mali. Additionally, according to the U.S. Department of State, Breihmatt oversees the activities of JNIM in Burkina Faso.“Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders.
Given Breihmatt’s role within JNIM, on August 21, 2019, the U.S. Department of State designated Breihmatt as an SDGT.“Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders. On June 20, 2022, the Council of the European Union added Breihmatt to the EU sanctions list for his role in JNIM’s terrorist attacks that targeted civilians and security forces in Mali and Burkina Faso.“COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2022/950 of 20 June 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/1693 concerning restrictive measures against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them,” Journal of the European Union, June 20, 2022, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022D0950.
The U.S. Department of State designated Salem ould Breihmatt as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on August 6, 2021.“Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders.
The European Union adds Salem ould Breihmatt to the E.U. Council’s sanctions list on June 20, 2022.“COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2022/950 of 20 June 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/1693 concerning restrictive measures against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them,” Journal of the European Union, June 20, 2022, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022D0950.
Colonel Hassan Sayyad Khodai was a senior commander of Iran’s Quds Force, the external wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) responsible for liaising with Iran’s global proxies. Khodai was reportedly involved in planning attacks against Israeli targets across the world. On May 22, 2022, Khodai was shot dead by gunmen outside of his home in Tehran.Anshel Pfeffer, “Iranian colonel Hassan Sayad Khodayari shot dead by hit squad in Tehran,” The Times, May 23, 2022, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/iranian-colonel-hassan-sayad-khodayari-shot-dead-by-hit-squad-in-tehran-8v7g3q2t9.
Khodai was a close aide to the late General Qasem Soleimani, the former commander of the Quds Force who was killed by an American airstrike in Baghdad in January 2020. Khodai had reportedly served as a commander of the Quds Force for over a decade, undertaking a variety of roles that included directing attacks and recruiting civilians in other countries to carry out attacks, particularly against Israelis.“Assassinated IRGC officer led terror attacks on Israelis in India, Thailand – report,” Jerusalem Post, May 24, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-707492; Anshel Pfeffer, “Iranian colonel Hassan Sayad Khodayari shot dead by hit squad in Tehran,” The Times, May 23, 2022, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/iranian-colonel-hassan-sayad-khodayari-shot-dead-by-hit-squad-in-tehran-8v7g3q2t9.
During his tenure in the Quds Force, media sources reported that Khodai was involved in planning attacks against Israeli targets in Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.Anshel Pfeffer, “Iranian colonel Hassan Sayad Khodayari shot dead by hit squad in Tehran,” The Times, May 23, 2022, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/iranian-colonel-hassan-sayad-khodayari-shot-dead-by-hit-squad-in-tehran-8v7g3q2t9. According to the Jerusalem Post, Khodai directed the February 2012 Bangkok bombings that injured five civilians. The bombings—in which three Iranian men set off homemade explosives—intended to target Israeli diplomats.“Assassinated IRGC officer led terror attacks on Israelis in India, Thailand – report,” Jerusalem Post, May 24, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-707492; Kate Hodal, “Bangkok bombers planned to attack Israeli diplomats, say Thai police,” Guardian, February 16, 2012, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/feb/16/bangkok-bombers-plotting-attack-israeli-diplomats. Additionally, Khodai was allegedly linked to plans targeting an Israeli diplomat in Istanbul, an American general in Germany, and a French journalist. Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, uncovered the plots and intervened before the murders were carried out.Anshel Pfeffer, “Iranian colonel Hassan Sayad Khodayari shot dead by hit squad in Tehran,” The Times, May 23, 2022, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/iranian-colonel-hassan-sayad-khodayari-shot-dead-by-hit-squad-in-tehran-8v7g3q2t9.
On May 22, 2022, Khodai was shot dead by gunmen on motorcycles outside of his home in Tehran, Iran. Given the similarities of the shooting to another incident targeting Iranian nuclear scientists in November 2020, media sources suspect that Mossad agents carried out the killing.Anshel Pfeffer, “Iranian colonel Hassan Sayad Khodayari shot dead by hit squad in Tehran,” The Times, May 23, 2022, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/iranian-colonel-hassan-sayad-khodayari-shot-dead-by-hit-squad-in-tehran-8v7g3q2t9.
Immediately after the shooting, Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, announced Khodai’s death, describing him as a “defender of the sanctuary.” According to media sources, “defender of the sanctuary” is often used to describe those who work for Iran in Syria or Iraq, countries where Iran has sent thousands of fighters to fight against ISIS as well as oversee foreign operations. Khodai reportedly served in Syria over the past few years.“Iran: Revolutionary Guard officer assassinated in Tehran,” Al Jazeera, May 22, 2022, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/22/iran-irgc-quds-force-member-assassinated-in-tehran-state-media.
The day after Khodai’s death, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi announced that Iran will avenge the killing and that “the blood of this great martyr will be avenged.”“Iran: Revolutionary Guard officer assassinated in Tehran,” Al Jazeera, May 22, 2022, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/22/iran-irgc-quds-force-member-assassinated-in-tehran-state-media.
Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury was the Canadian-Bangladeshi leader of ISIS-Bangladesh and the mastermind behind the July 1, 2016 Dhaka café attack and the July 7, 2016 shooting massacre in Sholakia. The Dhaka attack killed 28 people and wounded 26 others, while the shooting massacre killed four and injured several others.Lizzie Dearden, “Eid Bangladesh attack: At least four killed in bomb and shooting attack at country's largest Eid prayer gathering,” Independent, July 7, 2016, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/eid-bangladesh-attack-bomb-shooting-killed-death-prayers-police-eidgah-sholakia-isis-terror-a7124431.html; Lizzie Dearden, “Isis Bangladesh attack ‘mastermind’ identified as former student from Canada killed in police raid,” Independent, August 26, 2016, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/isis-bangladesh-dhaka-cafe-attack-mastermind-identified-tamim-chowdhury-canada-killed-in-police-raid-a7212671.html. Chowdhury was killed in a shootout between Bangladeshi forces and ISIS militants in Dhaka in August 2016.Lizzie Dearden, “Isis Bangladesh attack ‘mastermind’ identified as former student from Canada killed in police raid,” Independent, August 26, 2016, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/isis-bangladesh-dhaka-cafe-attack-mastermind-identified-tamim-chowdhury-canada-killed-in-police-raid-a7212671.html.
Chowdhury’s parents settled in Ontario, Canada shortly after Bangladesh’s independence war in 1971.Tamara Khandaker, “ISIS just identified a dead leader by name — and that's unusual,” Vice News, October 6, 2016, https://www.vice.com/en/article/3kw9dv/isis-just-identified-a-dead-leader-by-name-and-thats-unusual. Chowdhury reportedly attended the University of Windsor and graduated with a degree in chemistry in 2011.Dan Taekamea, “Terror suspect was a 'real bright kid,' former teacher says,” Windsor Star, August 29, 2016, https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/chowdhurys-time-in-windsor. During the period between 2009 and 2012, media sources report that Chowdhury allegedly became radicalized. In 2013, Chowdhury traveled Syria to join ISIS.Angshuman Choudhury, “Mapping the Dhaka Gulshan Attack: Who was Tamim Chowdhary?,” Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, October 4, 2016, http://www.ipcs.org/comm_select.php?articleNo=5143.
In October 2013, Chowdhury traveled to Bangladesh where he established himself as the ISIS “coordinator” in the country. According to an interview published in the August 2016 issue of Dabiq, ISIS’s propaganda magazine, Chowdhury’s agenda was to execute a series of terror attacks in Bangladesh and link them to ISIS. Chowdhury quickly established himself within the Islamist extremist community in the country and led a local group called New Jamat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The group was a faction of the old JMB—a local jihadist group that rose to prominence in 2005 that violently targeted secular groups and Bangladeshi minorities—and served as Bangladesh’s link to ISIS. According to the Dabiq article, Chowdhury was referred to as the “Amir of the Khalifa’s soldiers in Bengal.” As the emir of the group, Chowdhury served as the overseer for arms procurement, recruitment, and financial mobilization.“Local ‘IS chief’ Tamim Chowdhury prime architect of Dhaka cafe attack, say police,” Indian Express, July 30, 2016, https://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/dhaka-cafe-attack-islamic-state-2944858/; “Bangladeshi-Canadian named as Dhaka cafe attack mastermind,” Indian Express, July 30, 2016, https://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/bangladeshi-canadian-named-as-dhaka-cafe-attack-mastermind-2944778/; Kamran Reza Chowdhury, “IS Has ‘Contacts’ With Local Militants, Top US Diplomat Tells Bangladeshi Officials,” Benar News, August 29, 2016, https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/bengali/kerry-bangladesh-08292016161203.html.
On July 1, 2016, Chowdhury, along with several other gunmen, stormed into the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka, detonating explosives and taking 35 hostages. At least 28 people were killed and 26 others were wounded. The attackers killed 20 hostages, including nine Italians, seven Japanese, three Bangladeshis, one Indian, and one American. About 10 hours after the gunmen took over the cafe, 100 Bangladeshi commandos stormed the restaurant and managed to rescue 13 people.Aditya Kalra, Serajul Quadir, Ruma Paul, “Bangladesh gunmen made no demands, IS not involved – minister,” Reuters, July 2, 2016, https://www.reuters.com/article/bangladesh-attack/bangladesh-gunmen-made-no-demands-is-not-involved-minister-idINKCN0ZJ01T; David Caplan and Emily Shapiro, “20 Hostages Killed in Bangladesh Restaurant Attack, ISIS Claims Responsibility,” ABC News, July 2, 2016, https://abcnews.go.com/International/shooting-hostage-situation-underway-bangladesh/story?id=40283510. Bangladesh Police Chief Shahidul Hoque stated in an interview that Chowdhury was the mastermind behind the attack. Chowdhury allegedly recruited, trained, and advised the perpetrators, while also providing them weapons and explosives.Tamara Khandaker, “ISIS just identified a dead leader by name — and that's unusual,” Vice News, October 6, 2016, https://www.vice.com/en/article/3kw9dv/isis-just-identified-a-dead-leader-by-name-and-thats-unusual.
The day after the attack, ISIS claimed responsibility for the massacre, stating the group targeted citizens of the “crusader countries.” On July 3, 2016, the ISIS-affiliated Amaq news agency published photos of five of the perpetrators holding assault rifles and posing in front of black ISIS flags.“Hostage crisis leaves 28 dead in Bangladesh diplomatic zone,” Associated Press, July 2, 2016, https://apnews.com/article/631cff7370dc467782ef5b5fc4aeed56. In another ISIS-affiliated publication, Rumiyah magazine, Chowdhury allegedly authored an article describing the Dhaka attack, claiming the restaurant was chosen because it was a “sinister place” where “crusaders would gather to drink alcohol and commit vices through the night.”Tamara Khandaker, “ISIS just identified a dead leader by name — and that's unusual,” Vice News, October 6, 2016, https://www.vice.com/en/article/3kw9dv/isis-just-identified-a-dead-leader-by-name-and-thats-unusual.
Bangladeshi forces were unable to apprehend Chowdhury after the Dhaka attack, and on July 7, 2016, militants detonated an explosive and carried out a shooting massacre at the largest gathering for Eid prayers in Sholakia, Bangladesh. The explosion and the shooting attack killed at least four and injured several. Following the attack, ISIS claimed responsibility, and according to Bangladeshi authorities, Chowdhury was the mastermind behind the bombing and shooting.Lizzie Dearden, “Isis Bangladesh attack ‘mastermind’ identified as former student from Canada killed in police raid,” Independent, August 27, 2016, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/isis-bangladesh-dhaka-cafe-attack-mastermind-identified-tamim-chowdhury-canada-killed-in-police-raid-a7212671.html; “2016 Report on International Religious Freedom: Bangladesh,” U.S. Department of State, 2016, https://www.state.gov/reports/2016-report-on-international-religious-freedom/bangladesh/.
On August 27, 2016, Bangladeshi security forces raided a building housing extremists in Dhaka. After an hour-long gun battle, Chowdhury was killed alongside two other men.Lizzie Dearden, “Isis Bangladesh attack ‘mastermind’ identified as former student from Canada killed in police raid,” Independent, August 27, 2016, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/isis-bangladesh-dhaka-cafe-attack-mastermind-identified-tamim-chowdhury-canada-killed-in-police-raid-a7212671.html; “Bangladesh 'cafe attack planner killed' in police raid,” BBC News, August 27, 2016, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37202152.
Yusuf al-Madani is the U.S.- and U.N.-designated commander of the Houthi’s Fifth Military Region.“Security Council 2140 Sanctions Committee Adds Three Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sc14695.doc.htm; “Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191. Given al-Madani’s role in exacerbating Yemen’s civil war, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of State designated al-Madani as a Specially Designated National (SDN) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), respectively on May 20, 2021.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191.
During al-Madani’s youth, he allegedly studied under the Houthi cleric Majd al-Din al-Muayyad in Saada Governorate. However, al-Madani sought a more powerful leadership role and later joined Hussein al-Houthi’s “Al Shabab al-Mu’min” Brigades—the precursor to the Houthi group. Al-Madani quickly rose through the ranks, and in 2002, he was sent to Iran where he received extensive military training with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). A year later, al-Madani returned to Yemen, where he supervised the training of Houthi troops within Yemen while also sending Houthi fighters to IRGC camps in Iran and Syria.“YOUSSEF AL-MADANI; THE SECOND MAN IN THE HOUTHI GROUP WHO REPORTS DIRECTLY TO IRAN,” Al-Estiklal Newspaper, July 2021, https://www.alestiklal.net/en/view/8827/youssef-al-madani-the-second-man-in-the-houthi-group-who-reports-directly-to-iran.
During the period from 2004 to 2009, al-Madani served as a prominent military leader during the Houthi’s ongoing campaign against the Yemeni government. According to media reports, al-Madani participated in the September 2014 takeover of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The takeover resulted in the resignation of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi in January 2015.“YOUSSEF AL-MADANI; THE SECOND MAN IN THE HOUTHI GROUP WHO REPORTS DIRECTLY TO IRAN,” Al-Estiklal Newspaper, July 2021, https://www.alestiklal.net/en/view/8827/youssef-al-madani-the-second-man-in-the-houthi-group-who-reports-directly-to-iran; “Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191; Mohammed Ghobari, “Houthis tighten grip on Yemen capital after swift capture, power-sharing deal,” Reuters, September 22, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/22/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0HH2BQ20140922; Mark Mazzetti and David D. Kirkpatrick, “Saudi Arabia Leads Air Assault in Yemen,” New York Times, March 25, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/26/world/middleeast/al-anad-air-base-houthis-yemen.html?_r=0; “Yemen president quits, throwing country deeper into chaos,” Reuters, January 22, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-houthis-idUSKBN0KV0HT20150122.
It is uncertain when al-Madani was named commander of the Houthi’s Fifth Military Region—which includes Hodeidah, Hajjah, Al Mahwit, and Raymah—but, as of 2022 al-Madani has been assigned to the offensive targeting Marib.“YUSUF AL-MADANI,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/yusuf-al-madani. The Houthis’ offensive in Marib—which seeks to capture control of the province from Yemen’s internationally recognized government—puts more than one million Yemenis who are already internally displaced at risk of being displaced again.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191. Marib, a province that hosts camps for nearly one million internally displaced persons (IDP), remains under attack as the Houthis launch ballistic missile attacks targeting IDP camps and other civilian sites. If the offensive continues, it is projected to displace hundreds of thousands of IDPs.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191. Along with Marib, Hodeidah is a critical area that provides humanitarian and essential commercial commodities. However, under al-Madani’s command, the Houthis continue to carry out attacks that affect civilians and civilian infrastructure in Hodeidah.“YUSUF AL-MADANI,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/yusuf-al-madani.
On May 20, 2021, the U.S. State Department designated al-Madani as an SDGT for the risk he poses of committing acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals as well as the national security and economy of the United States.“The United States Designates Houthi Militants,” U.S. Department of State, May 20, 2021, https://www.state.gov/the-united-states-designates-houthi-militants/. The Treasury Department followed suit, and designated al-Madani as an SDN the same day.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191. Additionally, given al-Madani’s role in engaging in acts that directly or indirectly threaten the security and stability of Yemen, on November 9, 2021, the U.N. Security Council sanctioned al-Madani.“YUSUF AL-MADANI,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/yusuf-al-madani.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Yusuf al-Madani as a Specially Designated National (SDN) on May 20, 2021 for his role in the Houthis.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191.
The U.S. Department of State designated Yusuf al-Madani as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on May 20, 2021 for his role in the Houthis.“The United States Designates Houthi Militants,” U.S. Department of State, May 20, 2021, https://www.state.gov/the-united-states-designates-houthi-militants/.
The U.N. Security Council sanctioned Yusuf Al-Madani on November 9, 2021, for engaging in acts and providing support for acts that threaten the peace, security, and stability of Yemen.“Security Council 2140 Sanctions Committee Adds Three Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sc14695.doc.htm.
Saleh Mesfer Saleh Al Shaer is the U.S.- and U.N.-designated major general, judicial custodian of properties and funds owned by Houthis’ opponents.“Security Council 2140 Sanctions Committee Adds Three Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sc14695.doc.htm; “Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191. Given Al Shaer’s role in overseeing the seizure of property in Yemen—reportedly valued at greater than $100 million—to fund the Houthi military effort, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Al Shaer as a Specially Designated National (SDN) on November 18, 2021.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Officer Overseeing Group’s Seizure of Opposition Property,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 18, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0495.
According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Al Shaer serves as both the commander of the Houthi-controlled military logistics support organization as well as the officer responsible for managing assets and funds confiscated from anti-Houthi companies and individuals. Additionally, as the commander of the military logistics support organization, Al Shaer assists in acquiring smuggled weapons for the Houthis.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Officer Overseeing Group’s Seizure of Opposition Property,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 18, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0495.
Since early 2018, Al Shaer has been involved in the widespread and unlawful appropriation of assets and entities owned by individuals under arrest by the Houthis or who were forced to take refuge outside of Yemen. According to the U.N. Security Council, Al Shaer allegedly belongs to a large Sanaaa based network that includes his family members, the Houthi special criminal court, the national security bureau, the central bank, the registrar offices of the Yemeni Ministry of Trade and Industry, and some private banks. Those affiliates work with Al Shaer to arbitrarily extort and seize assets from individuals without any judicial process or redress.“SALEH MESFER SALEH AL SHAER,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/saleh-mesfer-saleh-al-shaer.
In the first seven months of 2019, Al Shaer oversaw the seizure of dozens of companies with assets valuing over $100 million. The companies were reportedly affiliated with individuals abroad who opposed the Houthis. Furthermore, on September 14, 2019, when the Houthi-controlled Specialized Criminal Court ordered the diversion and confiscation of funds from 35 Yemeni parliamentarians who opposed the Houthis, Al Shaer was reportedly at the helm of the project. Al Shaer’s subordinates also have intervened in appropriating more than half of the revenues in multiple hospitals throughout Sana’a, where they replaced directors and staff.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Officer Overseeing Group’s Seizure of Opposition Property,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 18, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0495.
Given Al Shaer’s role in engaging in acts that directly or indirectly threaten the security and stability of Yemen, on November 9, 2021, the U.N. Security Council sanctioned Al Shaer.“SALEH MESFER SALEH AL SHAER,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/saleh-mesfer-saleh-al-shaer. Shortly afterwards, on November 18, 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Al Shaer as an SDN.“Termination of Emergency With Respect to Burundi; Foreign Interference in U.S. Election Designations and Designation Update; Yemen-related Designation and Designations Updates,” United States Department of the Treasury, November 18, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20211118.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Saleh Mesfer Alshaer as a Specially Designated National (SDN) on November 18, 2021, for his role in the Houthis.“Termination of Emergency With Respect to Burundi; Foreign Interference in U.S. Election Designations and Designation Update; Yemen-related Designation and Designations Updates,” United States Department of the Treasury, November 18, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20211118.
The U.N. Security Council sanctioned Saleh Mesfer Saleh Al Shaer on November 9, 2021 for engaging in acts and providing support for acts that threaten the peace, security, and stability of Yemen.“Security Council 2140 Sanctions Committee Adds Three Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sc14695.doc.htm.
Muhammad Abd Al-Karim Al-Ghamari is the U.S.- and U.N.-designated major general and chief of general staff for the Houthis.“Security Council 2140 Sanctions Committee Adds Three Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sc14695.doc.htm; “Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191. In February 2021, Al-Ghamari began leading the large-scale Houthi offensive against Yemeni government-held territory in Marib province, a situation that escalated Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191. Given Al-Ghamari’s role in exacerbating Yemen’s civil war, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Al-Ghamari as a Specially Designated National (SDN) on May 20, 2021.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191.
Al-Ghamari allegedly studied at the Hussain Badr Al-Din Al-Houthi Institute in 2003, later becoming a prominent ideological leader of the Houthis. It is uncertain exactly when Al-Ghamari began fighting in the series of rebellions against former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. However, Al-Ghamari allegedly supervised armament stores and managed teams who placed mines and explosive devices against the National Army forces. When Houthi founder, Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi was killed in 2004, media sources claim Al-Ghamari oversaw the transfer of a group of fighters called al-Muhajiroun to Saada. At Saada, the fighters reportedly trained in camps to reform the Houthis military wing. Given Al-Ghamari’s success in military and security operations, he became close to Youssef Al-Madani, a prominent figure in the Houthis.“MUHAMMAD AL-GHAMMARI; THE HOUTHI LEADER WHO CONVEYED THE IRANIAN ‘REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS’ EXPERIENCE TO YEMEN,” June 5, 2021, https://www.alestiklal.net/en/view/8824/muhammad-al-ghamari-the-houthi-leader-who-conveyed-the-iranian-revolutionary-guards-experience-to-yemen.
During the period from 2005 to 2009, Al-Ghamari traveled to Syria and then to southern Lebanon, where he received intensive training by officers from Hezbollah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Given the skills he acquired, Al-Ghamari established the first suicide formations for the Houthis, and opened multiple training camps in Yemen, including in Hajjah Governorate, which he supervised in 2007. Al-Ghamari was one of the most prominent leaders during Yemen’s six rounds of wars between 2004 and 2010, and at some point in 2008, media sources claimed Al-Ghamari was arrested under Saleh’s presidency. In 2009, Al-Ghamari reportedly visited Tehran, where he received military training in the use of rockets and artillery shells. Al-Ghamari reportedly traveled again to Lebanon in 2012, where he received ideological and military lessons from Hezbollah.“MUHAMMAD AL-GHAMMARI; THE HOUTHI LEADER WHO CONVEYED THE IRANIAN ‘REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS’ EXPERIENCE TO YEMEN,” June 5, 2021, https://www.alestiklal.net/en/view/8824/muhammad-al-ghamari-the-houthi-leader-who-conveyed-the-iranian-revolutionary-guards-experience-to-yemen.
According to media reports, Al-Ghamari participated in the September 2014 takeover of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The takeover resulted in the resignation of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi in January 2015.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191; Mohammed Ghobari, “Houthis tighten grip on Yemen capital after swift capture, power-sharing deal,” Reuters, September 22, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/22/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0HH2BQ20140922; Mark Mazzetti and David D. Kirkpatrick, “Saudi Arabia Leads Air Assault in Yemen,” New York Times, March 25, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/26/world/middleeast/al-anad-air-base-houthis-yemen.html?_r=0; “Yemen president quits, throwing country deeper into chaos,” Reuters, January 22, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-houthis-idUSKBN0KV0HT20150122; “MUHAMMAD AL-GHAMMARI; THE HOUTHI LEADER WHO CONVEYED THE IRANIAN ‘REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS’ EXPERIENCE TO YEMEN,” June 5, 2021, https://www.alestiklal.net/en/view/8824/muhammad-al-ghamari-the-houthi-leader-who-conveyed-the-iranian-revolutionary-guards-experience-to-yemen. In 2015, Al-Ghamari was appointed as head of the so-called Supreme Revolutionary Committee and Houthi supervisor in Hajjah Governorate.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191. Shortly after in 2016, Al-Ghamari was appointed the Houthis chief of the general staff and given the rank of major general by the Houthi Supreme Political Council.“MUHAMMAD AL-GHAMMARI; THE HOUTHI LEADER WHO CONVEYED THE IRANIAN ‘REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS’ EXPERIENCE TO YEMEN,” June 5, 2021, https://www.alestiklal.net/en/view/8824/muhammad-al-ghamari-the-houthi-leader-who-conveyed-the-iranian-revolutionary-guards-experience-to-yemen.
As the chief of the general staff of the Houthi armed forces, Al-Ghamari has been directly responsible for overseeing Houthi military operations that have destroyed civilian infrastructure in Yemen as well as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Al-Ghamari also directs the procurement and deployment of various weapons, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ammunition, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191.
In February 2021, the Houthis launched an offensive in Marib, with Al-Ghamari replacing Abdul Khaleq al-Houthi, the brother of Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi, as commander in chief of the campaign.“MUHAMMAD ABD AL-KARIM AL-GHAMARI,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/muhammad-abd-al-karim-al-ghamari. The Houthis’ offensive in Marib—which seeks to capture control of the province from Yemen’s internationally recognized government—puts more than one million Yemenis who are already internally displaced at risk of being displaced again.“MUHAMMAD ABD AL-KARIM, AL-GHAMARI,” INTERPOL, November 9, 2021, https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals#2021-72700; “Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191. Marib, a province that hosts camps for close to one million internally displaced persons (IDP), remains under attack as the Houthis continue to launch ballistic missile attacks targeting IDP camps and other civilian sites. If the offensive continues, it is projected to displace hundreds of thousands of IDPs.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191.
On May 20, 2021, U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Al-Ghamari as an SDN.“Yemen-related Designation; Counter Terrorism Designation,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20210520_33. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Al-Ghamari’s activities are a direct obstruction of a November 23, 2011 agreement between the government of Yemen and its opposition groups that sought to provide a peaceful transition of power in Yemen.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191. On November 9, 2021, the United Nations Security Council also sanctioned Al-Ghamari for his role in threatening the peace, security, and stability of Yemen.“MUHAMMAD ABD AL-KARIM AL-GHAMARI,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/muhammad-abd-al-karim-al-ghamari.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Muhammad Abd Al-Karim Al-Ghamari as a Specially Designated National on May 20, 2021, for his role in the Houthis.“Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Official Overseeing Group’s Offensive Operations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 20, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0191.
The U.N. Security Council sanctioned Muhammad Abd Al-Karim Al-Ghamari on November 9, 2021 for orchestrating the Houthis’ military efforts that are directly threatening the peace, security, and stability of Yemen.“Security Council 2140 Sanctions Committee Adds Three Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations Security Council, November 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sc14695.doc.htm.
Extremists: Their Words. Their Actions.
Fact:
On October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded southern Israel where, in the space of eight hours, hundreds of armed terrorists perpetrated mass crimes of brutality, rape, and torture against men, women and children. In the biggest attack on Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, 1,200 were killed, and 251 were taken hostage into Gaza—where 101 remain. One year on, antisemitic incidents have increased by record numbers.
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