Ahmad Ali Ahsan al-Hamzi is a U.S.-designated senior Houthi commander in charge of the Houthis’ air force.“Issuance of Cyber-related General License and related FAQs; Cyber-related Designations Updates; Yemen-related Designations; Ukraine-/Russia-related Designations; Non-Proliferation Designations and Designations Updates,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 2, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20210302. According to the U.S. government, the Houthi forces under Hamzi’s command have carried out targeted Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) strikes. The United States further accuses Hamzi of procuring Iranian-made weapons for Houthi use in Yemen’s civil war.“Treasury Sanctions Key Military Leaders of the Ansarallah Militia in Yemen,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 2, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0043. Hamzi holds the rank of major-general.“Treasury Sanctions Key Military Leaders of the Ansarallah Militia in Yemen,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 2, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0043.

Under Hamzi’s command, the Houthi air forces have launched armed drones and missiles at Saudi cities. On February 27, 2021, for example, the Saudi military intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile and three armed drones over Riyadh, which they accused the Houthis of launching.“Saudi Arabia ‘intercepts ballistic missile over Riyadh,’” Al Jazeera, February 28, 2021, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/28/saudi-arabia-intercepts-ballistic-missile-attack-over-riyadh.

The United State accuses Hamzi of receiving training in Iran, which has been a primary benefactor of the Houthis. Further, the United States accuses Hamzi of smuggling Iranian-made weapons into Yemen.“Treasury Sanctions Key Military Leaders of the Ansarallah Militia in Yemen,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 2, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0043. A 2018 U.N. report accused Iran of supplying missiles and drones to the Houthis.Edith M. Lederer, “UN experts: Fuel from Iran is financing Yemen rebels’ war,” Associated Press, January 19, 2019, https://apnews.com/article/b406265e1c6642fd9a614416270263b6. In January 2019, the U.N.’s Panel of Experts on Yemen reported that they had “traced the supply to the Houthis of unmanned aerial vehicles and a mixing machine for rocket fuel and found that individuals and entities of Iranian origin had funded the purchase.Ahmed Himmiche, Fernando Rosenfeld Carvajal et al, “Letter Dated 25 January 2019 from the Panel of Experts on Yemen Addressed to the President of the Security Council,” U.N. Security Council, January 25, 2019, 40, https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2019_83.pdf. In June 2020, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reported to the Security Council that cruise missiles used attacks on Saudi oil facilities and an international airport in Saudi Arabia in November 2019 and February 2020 were of Iranian origin.“Missiles used to attack Saudi Arabia of ‘Iranian origin’: UN,” Al Jazeera, June 12, 2020, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/6/12/missiles-used-to-attack-saudi-arabia-of-iranian-origin-un.

On March 2, 2021, the U.S. government sanctioned Hamzi under Executive Order 13611 for engaging in acts that directly or indirectly threaten the peace, security, or stability of Yemen. Specifically, the government accused Hamzi of using his position to procure weapons from Iran and overseeing targeted UAV strikes. The government also sanctioned Mansur al-Sa’adi, who commands the Houthis’ naval forces.“Issuance of Cyber-related General License and related FAQs; Cyber-related Designations Updates; Yemen-related Designations; Ukraine-/Russia-related Designations; Non-Proliferation Designations and Designations Updates,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 2, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20210302. According to Andrea Gack, director of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Hamzi and Sa’adi “command forces that are worsening the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.”“Yemen's Houthis say U.S. is prolonging war by imposing sanctions – TV,” Reuters, March 3, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-us-sanctions/yemens-houthis-say-u-s-is-prolonging-war-by-imposing-sanctions-tv-idUSKBN2AV151. The Houthi leadership condemned the designations as proof the United States seeks to extend the war in Yemen.“Yemen's Houthis say U.S. is prolonging war by imposing sanctions – TV,” Reuters, March 3, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-us-sanctions/yemens-houthis-say-u-s-is-prolonging-war-by-imposing-sanctions-tv-idUSKBN2AV151.

Abu Hassan al-Gharibawi was the commander, or wali, of ISIS forces in southern Iraq.Sami Moubayed, “Who Will Replace the Slain Leaders of the Islamic State?,” European Eye on Radicalization, February 15, 2021, https://eeradicalization.com/who-will-replace-the-slain-leaders-of-the-islamic-state/. Gharibawi reportedly supervised the deadly twin suicide bombings in Tayaran Square in Baghdad on January 21, 2021.Islamic State officials behind Baghdad bombing killed, prime minister says,” Al Monitor, February 4, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/02/iraq-isis-baghdad-attack-killed.html. Gharibawi, along with another ISIS official, was killed in a U.S.-led international coalition airstrike in Abu Ghraib on February 2, 2021.“Islamic State officials behind Baghdad bombing killed, prime minister says,” Al Monitor, February 4, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/02/iraq-isis-baghdad-attack-killed.html.

Not much is known about Gharibawi—also known as Jabbar Ali Fayyad—other than his role as ISIS’s commander of southern Iraq. Gharibawi reportedly supervised the January 21, 2021 twin suicide bombings at a second-had clothes market in Tayaran Square, Baghdad.“Islamic State officials behind Baghdad bombing killed, prime minister says,” Al Monitor, February 4, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/02/iraq-isis-baghdad-attack-killed.html; “Iraq bombing: IS says it was behind deadly suicide attacks in Baghdad,” BBC News, January 22, 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-55760822. The attack, which targeted Shiite Muslims, killed 32 people and wounded more than 100.“Islamic State officials behind Baghdad bombing killed, prime minister says,” Al Monitor, February 4, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/02/iraq-isis-baghdad-attack-killed.html. ISIS quickly claimed responsibility for the attack via a statement released by its Amaq News Agency.“Iraq bombing: IS says it was behind deadly suicide attacks in Baghdad,” BBC News, January 22, 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-55760822. Following the double suicide attack, which was the biggest suicide attack in Baghdad in over four years, the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces launched Operation Revenge of the Martyrs. The operation, which targets ISIS fighters and remaining extremist strongholds, led to the arrest of several terrorists in Baghdad.“Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service launch the "Revenge of the Martyrs" operation,” Shafaq News, January 22, 2021, https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq-News/Iraqi-Counter-Terrorism-Service-launch-the-Revenge-of-the-Martyrs-operation.

Gharibawi, along with fellow ISIS operative Ghanem Sabah Jawad—who was primarily responsible for transporting suicide bombers—were killed by a U.S.-led international coalition airstrike in Abu Ghraib, 18 miles west of Baghdad, on February 2, 2021. According to Yehia Rasoul, the spokesperson for Iraq’s commander-in-chief, the airstrike was conducted with the help of intelligence provided by Iraq’s interior ministry.Shelly Kittleson, “Prominent Islamic State leaders killed in Iraq,” Al Monitor, March 1, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/03/iraq-security-isis-tarmiya.html.

Jabbar Salman Ali Farhan al-Issawi was an Iraqi commander for ISIS. Al-Issawi, who was considered the group’s most senior leader in Iraq as well as the organization’s “deputy caliph,” is believed to have coordinated ISIS’s operations and directed members in Iraq.Tal Axelrod, “Top ISIS leader in Iraq killed in US airstrike,” The Hill, January 29, 2021, https://thehill.com/policy/defense/536580-top-isis-leader-in-iraq-killed-in-us-airstrike?rl=1; David Rose, “RAF jets wipe out Isis terror cells in laser-guided bomb raid north of Baghdad,” The Times, February 1, 2021, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/raf-jets-wipe-out-isis-terror-cells-in-laser-guided-bomb-raid-north-of-baghdad-7zgh9cfw8; “Senior Islamic State figure killed in Iraq, PM says,” Reuters, January 28, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-islamic-state-idUSKBN29X2DL. On January 28, 2021, al-Issawi and nine other ISIS militants were killed in a U.S. airstrike in a joint mission with Iraqi forces in Kirkuk.Jane Arraf and Falih Hassan, “U.S. Airstrike Kills Top ISIS Leader in Iraq,” New York Times, January 29, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/world/middleeast/us-airstrike-kills-top-isis-leader-in-iraq.html.

Al-Issawi, ISIS’s Iraq “wali” or governor, allegedly served as the liaison between higher and lower ranks in the organization.“Iraqi premier says top Islamic State figure killed by security forces,” Times of Israel, January 28, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/iraqi-premier-says-top-islamic-state-figure-killed-by-security-forces/; Jane Arraf and Falih Hassan, “U.S. Airstrike Kills Top ISIS Leader in Iraq,” New York Times, January 29, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/world/middleeast/us-airstrike-kills-top-isis-leader-in-iraq.html. Highly educated in Quranic studies, al-Issawi held a radical interpretation of the practice, believing anyone who treated “infidels” as Muslims would be considered an “infidel” as well.“Prominent Islamic State leaders killed in Iraq,” Al Monitor, March 1, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/03/iraq-security-isis-tarmiya.html. Al-Issawi allegedly had a background in fighting for ISIS in Iraq and Syria before advancing to his role as commander and deputy caliph in Iraq.“Islamic State ‘Wali’ Abu Yasser al-Issawi Killed in Iraq: Prime Minister,” Defense Post, January 29, 2021, https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/01/29/is-al-issawi-killed-iraq/. According to media reports, al-Issawi allegedly began fighting in the Iraqi insurgency following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Additionally, al-Issawi was allegedly imprisoned in Camp Bucca—an American-controlled prison camp that held many well-known insurgents who would eventually form ISIS.Ghassan Adnan and Jared Malsin, “Top Islamic State Leader in Iraq Killed in U.S.-Iraqi Strike,” Wall Street Journal, January 29, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/top-islamic-state-leader-in-iraq-killed-in-u-s-iraqi-strike-11611938069. The exact date of his imprisonment has not been reported, but it is assumed his detainment would have occurred at some point between 2003 and 2009 when the camp was in operation.Michael Christie, “U.S. military shuts largest detainee camp in Iraq,” Reuters, September 17, 2009, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-usa-detainees/u-s-military-shuts-largest-detainee-camp-in-iraq-idUSTRE58G1HZ20090917.

As commander and deputy caliph, al-Issawi directed gun and bomb attacks against military and civilian targets in Iraq.David Rose, “RAF jets wipe out Isis terror cells in laser-guided bomb raid north of Baghdad,” The Times, February 1, 2021, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/raf-jets-wipe-out-isis-terror-cells-in-laser-guided-bomb-raid-north-of-baghdad-7zgh9cfw8. Although ISIS no longer controls a defined area in Iraq, the country continues to be ISIS’s largest operational branch, with al-Issawi having played a pivotal role in facilitating ISIS’s activity and coordinating attacks in the region.Jane Arraf and Falih Hassan, “U.S. Airstrike Kills Top ISIS Leader in Iraq,” New York Times, January 29, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/world/middleeast/us-airstrike-kills-top-isis-leader-in-iraq.html.

Al-Issawi reportedly supervised more than 200 battles between ISIS militants and Iraqi forces in Fallujah, al-Karma, al-Khalidiyah, and Qaim along the Iraqi-Syrian border. Furthermore, al-Issawi was involved in the execution of 18 Kurdish peshmerga officers.“Prominent Islamic State leaders killed in Iraq,” Al Monitor, March 1, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/03/iraq-security-isis-tarmiya.html. Additionally, al-Issawi was reportedly known for targeting tribes in western Anbar, such as the Jughayfa and the Albu Nimr—a tribe that was subjected to an ISIS-led massacre that killed 322 of the Albu Nimr in 2014. The tribe, which actively resisted ISIS’s advances, succumbed to the jihadist group’s attacks when the tribe finally ran low on ammunition, food, and fuel.“Prominent Islamic State leaders killed in Iraq,” Al Monitor, March 1, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/03/iraq-security-isis-tarmiya.html; Michael Georgy, “Iraq says 322 tribe members killed, many bodies dumped in well,” Reuters, November 2, 2014, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-idUSKBN0IM0I920141102.

Al-Issawi’s forces also reportedly targeted the Kata’ib al-Hamza, the tribal force of the Albu Mahal Tribe. The al-Qaim-based Kata’ib al-Hamza—which is led by Abu Aya, a former commander of the Anbar SWAT forces—allegedly provided most of the intelligence used by the Iraqi Falcon Intelligence Cell on jihadist activity in the Western Anbar desert area. The Falcon Intelligence Cell, an elite counterterrorism unit created to gather intelligence on al-Qaeda and ISIS in Iraq, allegedly provided the Iraqi government with vital information to neutralize over 3,500 ISIS insurgents.“Prominent Islamic State leaders killed in Iraq,” Al Monitor, March 1, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/03/iraq-security-isis-tarmiya.html; Shelly Kittleson, “Iraqi spy chief discusses IS and intel cooperation,” Al Monitor, July 31, 2019, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/07/iraq-terrorism-syria-isis-falcon.html; Shelly Kittleson, “Islamic State desert bases still headache for Iraq,” Al Monitor, January 23, 2018, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/01/iraq-border-anbar-syria-is.html.

On January 28, 2021, the U.S.-led military coalition, in a joint mission with Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service, launched an airstrike that targeted ISIS members in Kirkuk, northern Iraq. The attack killed al-Issawi as well as nine other ISIS fighters.Jane Arraf and Falih Hassan, “U.S. Airstrike Kills Top ISIS Leader in Iraq,” New York Times, January 29, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/world/middleeast/us-airstrike-kills-top-isis-leader-in-iraq.html; “Islamic State 'deputy' Yaser al-Issawi killed in Iraq, Iraqi PM says,” ABC News (Australia), January 29, 2021, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-29/islamic-state-yaser-al-issawi-senior-figure-killed-in-iraq/13101814. The intelligence-led operation was allegedly months in the making and sought to eliminate sleeper cells in mountain hideouts that were considered a new center of ISIS operations.David Rose, “RAF jets wipe out Isis terror cells in laser-guided bomb raid north of Baghdad,” The Times, February 1, 2021, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/raf-jets-wipe-out-isis-terror-cells-in-laser-guided-bomb-raid-north-of-baghdad-7zgh9cfw8; “Iraqi premier says top Islamic State figure killed by security forces,” Times of Israel, January 28, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/iraqi-premier-says-top-islamic-state-figure-killed-by-security-forces/.

The airstrike intended to undermine the resurgence of ISIS in the area, following an ISIS-claimed double suicide bombing that killed over 32 people and injured 110 others in Baghdad on January 21—the deadliest attack to hit the Iraqi capital in over four years.Tal Axelrod, “Top ISIS leader in Iraq killed in US airstrike,” The Hill, January 29, 2021, https://thehill.com/policy/defense/536580-top-isis-leader-in-iraq-killed-in-us-airstrike?rl=1; David Rose, “RAF jets wipe out Isis terror cells in laser-guided bomb raid north of Baghdad,” The Times, February 1, 2021, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/raf-jets-wipe-out-isis-terror-cells-in-laser-guided-bomb-raid-north-of-baghdad-7zgh9cfw8.

General Yahya Sarea is the military spokesman for Yemen’s Houthi rebels, a.k.a. Ansar Allah.“Yemeni Armed Forces: “Compact Structure” Campaign Liberated an Area of 2500 Sq. Kilometers, Killed, Injured or Arrested Thousands of Mercenaries (Video),” Al Manar, February 2, 2020, https://english.almanar.com.lb/930910; “Yemeni Houthis say they fired missile at Saudi Aramco site in Jeddah,” Reuters, November 22, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-saudi-aramco-saudi/yemens-houthis-say-attacked-saudi-aramco-facility-in-jeddah-with-rocket-tweet-idUSKBN28308L. The Houthis have waged a series of bloody insurgencies against the Yemeni government since 2004, overthrowing them and seizing power in Yemen’s capital of Sanaa in 2015.Ahmed al-Haj, “Yemen Shiite Rebels Harden Their Protest Demands,” Associated Press, August 25, 2014, https://wtop.com/news/2014/08/yemen-shiite-rebels-harden-their-protest-demands/; Rod Nordland, “Rebels in Yemen Say They Intend to Form a New Government,” New York Times, February 6, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/07/world/middleeast/yemen-rebels-say-they-will-dissolve-parliament.html?_r=1.

In February 2015, the Iran-backed Houthis took control of Sanaa and expelled the government of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, drawing protest from the U.N. Security Council.“Yemen’s Houthis Form Own Government in Sanaa,” Al Jazeera, February 6, 2015, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/02/yemen-houthi-rebels-announce-presidential-council-150206122736448.html. Hadi fled to Aden and rescinded his resignation.Mohammed Ghobari and Mohammed Mukhashaf, “Yemen’s Hadi Flees to Aden and Says He Is Still President,” Reuters, February 21, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/21/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0LP08F20150221. The internationally recognized Yemeni government has since operated from Aden.“Government outraged as Yemen rebels make TV boss ‘ambassador’ to Iran,” National (Abu Dhabi), last updated March 1, 2020, https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/mena/government-outraged-as-yemen-rebels-make-tv-boss-ambassador-to-iran-1.899666. In March 2015, Saudi Arabia launched Operation Decisive Storm in an effort to quash the Houthi coup and reinstate the government of ousted Yemeni President Hadi.“Saudi ‘Decisive Storm’ waged to save Yemen,” Al Arabiya, March 25, 2015, http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/03/26/GCC-states-to-repel-Houthi-aggression-in-Yemen-statement-.html; Nick Thompson and Inez Torre, “Yemen: Who’s joining Saudi Arabia's fight against the Houthis?,” CNN, March 30, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/27/world/yemen-saudi-coalition-map/.

Sarea began posting on Twitter in November 2018 as the Houthis’ military spokesman and has since claimed credit for and defended numerous Houthi drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia.Yahya Sarea, Twitter account, accessed January 15, 2021, https://twitter.com/army21ye. Sarea has threatened new attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and any other country participating in the Arab coalition fighting the Houthis.“Houthis threaten to strike ‘sensitive’ sites in Saudi Arabia, UAE,” Xinhua, December 30, 2019, http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/30/c_138665230.htm. Sarea has also accused the United States of supporting the Arab coalition and arming the Houthis’ enemies.“Saudi Royal Palaces Will Be among Targets of Yemeni Strikes: General Sarea laces,” Al Manar, July 7, 2020, https://english.almanar.com.lb/1082325. He has promised that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia will continue.“Yemeni Houthis say they fired missile at Saudi Aramco site in Jeddah,” Reuters, November 22, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-saudi-aramco-saudi/yemens-houthis-say-attacked-saudi-aramco-facility-in-jeddah-with-rocket-tweet-idUSKBN28308L.

Throughout 2021, Sarea continued to claim responsibility for Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia while threatening the Houthis were “prepared to carry out stronger and harsher military attacks in the coming period.”Reuters, Raya Jalabi, Lisa Barrington, and Raya Jalabi, “Yemen’s Houthis warn of stronger attacks after drone strikes on Saudi Arabia,” Reuters, March 25, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-led-coalition-says-it-destroys-several-houthi-drones-launched-kingdom-2021-03-25/; “Yemen’s Houthis say they attacked Saudi Aramco facilities; no Saudi confirmation,” Reuters, April 12, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-attacked-saudi-aramco-refineries-jeddah-jubail-no-saudi-2021-04-12/; “Saudis intercept Houthi missile and drones aimed at oil region,” Reuters, September 5, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-led-coalition-foils-missile-attack-oil-region-tv-2021-09-04/. On January 17, 2022, a Houthi drone killed at least three and wounded six others in the UAE. The Houthis claimed the attacks were in response to the “escalation of the US-Saudi-Emirati aggression.”“Charbel Mallo and Celine Alkhaldi, “3 killed in suspected Houthi drone attack in Abu Dhabi,” CNN, January 17, 2022, https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/17/middleeast/uae-abu-dhabi-explosion-drone-houthi-intl/index.html; Rory Jones, “Houthis Attack U.A.E. Again in Threat to Business and Tourism Hub,” Wall Street Journal, January 24, 2022, https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-a-e-intercepts-two-ballistic-missiles-over-capital-as-gulf-tensions-escalate-11643007328. On January 24, the Houthis launched drones toward Dubai and ballistic missiles toward Abu Dhabi. Sarea called on foreign companies and investors to leave the UAE because “it has become unsafe.” He also claimed the Houthis were ready to “meet escalation with escalation.”Alexander Cornwell and Alaa Swilam, “UAE blocks missiles as Yemen’s Houthis attack region’s business hub,” Reuters, January 24, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/uaes-defense-ministry-destroyed-2-houthi-ballistic-missiles-wam-2022-01-24/.

Despite Sarea’s threats, on April 1, 2022, the Houthis and the Saudi-led military agreed to a U.N.-brokered two-month truce. The parties agreed to halt all offensive military air, ground, and maritime operations inside Yemen and across its borders in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The truce took effect on April 2.Mostafa Salem and Lianne Kolirin, “Saudi-led coalition and Houthis agree on truce in Yemen, raising hopes for the 'start of a better future',” CNN, April 1, 2022, https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/01/middleeast/yemen-truce-un-intl/index.html; Saeed Al-Batati, “Yemen troops battle new Houthi attacks near Marib,” Arab News, April 9, 2022, https://www.arabnews.com/node/2059456/middle-east. However, on April 13, Yemeni military spokesman Abdo Majali claimed the Houthis committed 1,230 violations of the truce in the Marib, Taiz, Hajjah, Dhale, and Saada provinces. Majali also accused the Houthis of bringing in reinforcements, as well as an additional 40 military vehicles, to the battlefront in Southern Marib.Saeed Al-Batati, “Yemen troops battle new Houthi attacks near Marib,” Arab News, April 9, 2022, https://www.arabnews.com/node/2059456/middle-east; “Houthis Accused of Committing 1,230 Truce Violations on Various Fronts in Yemen,” Asharq Al-Awsat, April 13, 2022, https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3588806/houthis-accused-committing-1230-truce-violations-various-fronts-yemen.

On April 9, 2022, Twitter suspended an account belonging to Sarea for breaching its rules. The social media platform stated it prohibits content “glorifying” acts of violence, including “attacks carried out by terrorist organizations or violent extremist groups.” Sarea’s account, which had been in operation since 2018, reportedly had more than 340,000 followers and was used by Sarea to claim responsibility for the rebels’ attacks on the UAE and Saudi Arabia as well as any other country participating in the Arab coalition fighting the Houthis. Although Twitter suspended Sarea’s main account, an English-language account in Sarea’s name remains active and has 17,000 followers. Additionally, several new Arabic accounts allegedly belonging to Sarea have also been discovered.“Twitter suspends Houthi military spokesman's account,” The National, April 10, 2022, https://www.thenationalnews.com/gulf-news/2022/04/10/twitter-suspends-houthi-military-spokesmans-account/.

On October 7, 2023, Iran-backed Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing at least 1,200 people. Israel subsequently launched airstrikes and a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.Lauren Frayer, “Israel revises down its death toll from the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks to about 1,200,” NPR, November 11, 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/11/11/1212458974/israel-revises-death-toll-hamas-attacks-oct-7; Ibrahim Dahman and Abeer Salman, “Hamas announces ‘Al-Aqsa Storm,’ claims to have fired 5,000 rockets,” CNN, October 7, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/al-aqsa-storm-militants-infiltrate-israel-after-gaza-rockets-10-07-intl-hnk/h_644aa5e5d02286051f5cc307e229566a. The Houthis joined other Iranian proxies in targeting Israel and U.S. interests in the region.“Iran’s allies in Iraq, Yemen threaten U.S. over intervention in Israel,” Reuters, October 10, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/senior-iraqi-political-figure-threatens-target-us-interests-if-it-backs-israel-2023-10-10/. Sarea called the attacks a response to “Israeli aggression” and part of the Houthis’ support for the Palestinian people.Jessie Yeung, Hamdi Alkhshali, and Kyle Blaine, “Israel says it thwarted aerial attacks by Yemen’s Houthis near Red Sea,” CNN, November 1, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/01/middleeast/israel-says-it-thwarted-attacks-from-yemens-houthis-intl-hnk/index.html; “Yemen’s Houthis say they launched missiles, drones at Israel,” Reuters, October 31, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-warns-possible-hostile-aircraft-near-red-sea-city-eilat-2023-10-31/. On November 30, Sarea wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that the Houthis would continue to block Israeli ships in the Red Sea and stop only when Israel ends its war with Hamas in Gaza.Yahya Sarea, Twitter post, November 30, 2023, 3:45 p.m., https://twitter.com/Yahya_Saree/status/1730327318336258133. Following a December 3 Houthi attack on at least two shipping vessels in the Red Sea, Sarea renewed the Houthi warning that “all Israeli ships or those associated with Israelis” were legitimate targets.Jon Gambrell, “3 commercial ships hit by missiles in Houthi attack in Red Sea, US warship downs 3 drones,” Associated Press, last updated December 4, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-yemen-ships-attack-israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-716770f0a780160e9abed98d3c48fbde.

The Houthis continued their attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes into 2024. On February 18, the Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Belize-flagged and British-owned bulk carrier MV Rubymar in the Red Sea, forcing the crew to abandon ship after one of the missiles struck the vessel. Sarea issued a statement claiming the Houthis fired “a number of missiles” at the vessel, causing severe damage and bringing the ship to a “complete halt” while leaving it “at risk of sinking.”“‘The attack on the ship appeared to be one of the Houthis’ most damaging.,” New York Times, February 20, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/02/19/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news/houthi-ship-crew-rubymar. Sarea warned that the Houthis “will not hesitate to take more military measures” against “all hostile targets in defense of beloved Yemen and in confirmation of the position of support for the Palestinian people.”“‘The attack on the ship appeared to be one of the Houthis’ most damaging.,” New York Times, February 20, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/02/19/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news/houthi-ship-crew-rubymar. The damage to the Rubymar caused it to completely sank on March 2, making it the first ship to sink from a Houthi attack.Mohammad Ghobari, “Ship sunk by Houthis threatens Red Sea environment, Yemen government and US military say,” Reuters, March 2, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/freighter-rubymar-has-sunk-red-sea-yemen-internationally-recognised-government-2024-03-02/; Eleanor Watson, “Ship sunk by Houthis likely responsible for damaging 3 telecommunications cables under Red Sea,” CBS News, March 6, 2024, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/houthis-ship-cutting-red-sea-telecommunications-cables/. After the Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the Liberian-flagged, Singapore-owned container ship Pinocchio in the Red Sea on March 11, Sarea claimed the Houthis struck the vessel, which he described as “American.”“Houthi missiles fired at ship in Red Sea, U.S. military says,” Reuters, March 11, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/yemens-houthis-target-us-ship-pinocchio-red-sea-2024-03-12/; “U.S. Central Command,” Twitter post, March 11, 2024, 10:32 p.m., https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1767378223237562494. There were no reported injuries or damage from the attack. Afterward, Sarea pledged that the Houthis would increase their operations in the Red Sea during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began on March 11.“Houthi missiles fired at ship in Red Sea, U.S. military says,” Reuters, March 11, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/yemens-houthis-target-us-ship-pinocchio-red-sea-2024-03-12/.

Through May and June 2024, Sarea made multiple announcements about the Houthis increasing their attacks on U.S. and Israeli interests. On May 6, Sarea announced on X that the Houthis would expand their attacks in the Red Sea and other international shipping lanes to target any ship they believe is connected to a company supplying Israel. Sarea warned that the Houthis would block any such ships from traversing the Red Sea if Israel went ahead with a plan to invade Rafah in the Gaza strip. Heather Mongilio, “Houthis Threaten to Expand Range of Targets in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden,” USNI News, May 6, 2024, https://news.usni.org/2024/05/06/houthis-threaten-to-expand-range-of-targets-in-the-red-sea-gulf-of-aden; Patrick Wintour, “US gives Saudis green light to try to revive peace deal with Houthis,” Guardian (London), May 14, 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/14/us-saudi-arabia-revive-peace-deal-with-houthis-yemen. On June 1, Sarea claimed that the Houthis launched six operations targeting a U.S. aircraft carrier, a U.S. destroyer, and three vessels in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. According to Sarea, the Houthis launched missiles and drones toward the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower north of the Red Sea. Sarea said the Houthis also targeted the Abliani in the Red Sea, the Aloraiq in the Indian Ocean, and twice attacked the Maina in the Red Sea and in the Arabian Sea.“Yemen’s Houthis say they conducted six operations in Red Sea and Indian Ocean,” Reuters, June 1, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/yemens-houthis-say-they-conducted-six-operations-red-sea-indian-ocean-2024-06-01/. He followed that announcement with a June 6 televised speech, Sarea claims the Houthis launched two joint military operations with the Iraqi Islamic Resistance against ships at Israel’s Haifa port. Sarea claimed the first attack targeted two ships carrying military equipment in the port of Haifa. The second targeted a ship that violated the Houthis’ ban on entering the port. According to Israeli media, however, there were no reports to corroborate the Houthi claims.Reuters and Times of Israel Staff, “Houthis claim without evidence to target ships at Haifa port,” June 6, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/houthis-claim-without-evidence-to-target-ships-at-haifa-port/; “Yemen’s Houthis say they launched two operations against ships at Israel’s Haifa port,” Reuters, June 6, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/yemens-houthis-say-they-launched-two-operations-against-ships-israels-haifa-port-2024-06-06/.

On September 27, 2024, Sarea issued a statement confirming the Houthis targeted Tel Aviv and Ashkelon, as well as three U.S. destroyers in the Red Sea. According to Sarea, the militants launched missiles and drones at their targets in support of Gaza and Lebanon.“Yemen’s Houthis say they attacked Israel, US destroyers,” Reuters, September 27, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/yemens-houthis-say-they-attacked-israels-tel-aviv-ashkelon-2024-09-27/. On October 18, the Houthis claimed responsibility for multiple drone strikes on the Malta-flagged Megalopolis in the Arabian Sea. In a statement on the strikes, Sarea reiterated that the terror group bans vessels from accessing Israeli ports and subsequently targets those in violation of the ban.Kelly Campa, Johanna Moore, Annika Ganzeveld, Ria Reddy, Ben Rezaei, and Brian Carter, “Iran Update,” Institute for the Study of War, October 19, 2024, https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-october-19-2024. Sarea then stated that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s death that month had motivated the Houthis to remain steadfast in their opposition of Israel. According to Sarea, “[t]he martyrdom of the great leader Yahya Sinwar will only increase the resistance and the determination of all the free people in the world to continue on the path of liberation and victory…[the Houthis will continue to target] the Israeli enemy with missiles and drones, and these operations will not stop except for stopping the aggression and lifting the siege on the Gaza Strip and stopping the aggression on Lebanon.”“Houthi Ansar Allah Movement Claims Attack On Commercial Ship In Arabian Sea, Declares Death Of Hamas Leader Sinwar ‘Will Only Increase The Resistance,’” Middle East Media Research Institute, October 18, 2024, https://www.memri.org/jttm/houthi-ansar-allah-movement-claims-attack-commercial-ship-arabian-sea-declares-death-hamas.

Aris Sumarsono, also known as Zulkarnaen, is a U.S.- and U.N.- designated terrorist and military commander for Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).“Zulkarnaen,” U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice, accessed December 17, 2020, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/zulkarnaen.html; “Aris Sumarsono,” United Nations Security Council, accessed December 17, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/zulkarnaen. He is linked to several deadly attacks in Indonesia, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed more than 200 people and the 2003 JW Marriott Hotel attack in Jakarta that killed 12.Niniek Karmini, “Indonesia police: Top terror suspect mastermind of attacks,” Associated Press, December 14, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-indonesia-counterterrorism-jakarta-islamic-state-group-6bab71a7261501d065e2a8f9de46c207. On December 10, 2020, Indonesia’s counterterrorism police arrested Zulkarnaen during a raid on a house on the island of Sumatra. “Indonesian Police Arrest Militant Leader Associated with al-Qaida,” Voice of America, December 13, 2020, https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/indonesian-police-arrest-militant-leader-associated-al-qaida; Associated Press, “Indonesian Police Move Top Terror Suspect for Investigation,” Voice of America, December 16, 2020, https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/indonesian-police-move-top-terror-suspect-investigation. He was convicted of withholding information and sheltering an extremist figure and sentenced to 15 years in prison on January 19, 2022. Agustinus Beo Da Costa and Stanley Widianto, “Indonesia jails militant from group blamed for Bali bombings,” Reuters, January 19, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesian-militant-linked-bali-bombings-given-15-year-jail-term-judge-2022-01-19; Niniek Karmini, “Indonesian militant gets 15 years in jail over Bali attacks,” Associated Press, January 19, 2022, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/indonesian-militant-15-years-jail-bali-attacks-82344879.

Zulknarnaen received a degree in biology from an Indonesian university. He was a protégé of Abdullah Sungkar, who co-founded JI with Abu Bakar Bashir and established an Islamic religious school called al-Mukmin, where senior JI militants studied.“Zulkarnaen,” U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice, accessed December 17, 2020, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/zulkarnaen.html. Zulkarnaen attended al-Mukmin between 1975 and 1981. He was reportedly offered a biology faculty position at the Gadja Madah University in Jogjakarta, but quit in order to train as a jihadist.John Mcbeth, “End of a terror era in Indonesia,” Asia Times, December 14, 2002, https://asiatimes.com/2020/12/end-of-a-terror-era-in-indonesia/. In the 1980s, Sungkar recruited a small group of militants, including Zulkarnaen, to travel to Afghanistan to train at a camp led by mujahideen commander Abdul Rasul Sayyaf.“Zulkarnaen,” U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice, accessed December 17, 2020, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/zulkarnaen.html. During Zulkarnaen’s time in Afghanistan, he led a military academy called Camp Saddah for fighters from Southeast Asia, including other JI members, and continued to train there for a decade.“Aris Sumarsono,” United Nations Security Council, accessed December 17, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/zulkarnaen.

In the late 1990s, Zulkarnaen reportedly lived in the Malaysian town of Raub, near the capital Kuala Lumpur. He returned to Indonesia in 1999, around the same time as Sungkar and Bashir. The two JI leaders had been living in exile for 17 years prior.John Mcbeth, “End of a terror era in Indonesia,” Asia Times, December 14, 2002, https://asiatimes.com/2020/12/end-of-a-terror-era-in-indonesia/. Before Sungkar’s death in 1999, Zulkarnaen served as an aide to his mentor, reportedly organizing the JI leader’s agenda and helping to organize conferences.“Aris Sumarsono,” United Nations Security Council, accessed December 17, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/zulkarnaen.

Zulkarnaen also led a squad of militants called Laskar Khos, or special force, comprised of some 300 recruits who had trained in Afghanistan and the Philippines.“Aris Sumarsono,” United Nations Security Council, accessed December 17, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/zulkarnaen. Laskar Khos fighters were involved in the Muslim-Christian conflict that raged in Poso and Ambon between 1998 and 2002, which claimed 6,000 lives.John Mcbeth, “End of a terror era in Indonesia,” Asia Times, December 14, 2002, https://asiatimes.com/2020/12/end-of-a-terror-era-in-indonesia/; Niniek Karmini, “Indonesia police: Top terror suspect mastermind of attacks,” Associated Press, December 14, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-indonesia-counterterrorism-jakarta-islamic-state-group-6bab71a7261501d065e2a8f9de46c207. In August 2003, Zulkarnaen ascended to operations chief of JI following the arrest of his alleged predecessor Riduan Isamuddin, also known as Hambali, in Thailand.“Aris Sumarsono,” United Nations Security Council, accessed December 17, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/zulkarnaen.

In the early 2000s, JI carried out a series of high-profile terrorist attacks, several of which were later linked to Zulkarnaen. On October 12, 2002, a set of explosions hit two crowded nightclubs, Sari Club and Paddy’s, on the resort island of Bali. The bombings killed 202 people. According to the United Nations, Zulkarnaen helped prepare the bombs.“TIMELINE: Attacks and plots blamed on Jemaah Islamiah in Asia,” Reuters, September 17, 2009, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-indonesia-militants-timeline-sb-idUSTRE58G29X20090917; “Aris Sumarsono,” United Nations Security Council, accessed December 17, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/zulkarnaen. He is also believed to have headed a JI operations section that carried out an attack in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta on August 5, 2003. On that day, a car bomb exploded outside of the JW Marriot Hotel, killing 12 people and wounding 150 others.Keith Bradsher, “Deadly Car Bombing Shakes Marriott Hotel in Jakarta,” New York Times, August 5, 2003, https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/05/international/asia/deadly-car-bombing-shakes-marriott-hotel-in-jakarta.html; “Aris Sumarsono,” United Nations Security Council, accessed December 17, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/zulkarnaen.

According to Indonesian National Police spokesman Ahmad Ramadhan, Zulkarnaen was also involved in church attacks throughout Indonesia during Christmas and New Year’s Eve in 2000, which left more than 20 people dead. Ramadhan also said that Zulkarnaen masterminded a 2000 bomb attack on the official residence of the Philippine ambassador in Jakarta that killed two people, a 2004 suicide attack outside at the Australian Embassy that killed nine, and a 2005 bombing in Bali that killed 20.Niniek Karmini, “Indonesia police: Top terror suspect mastermind of attacks,” Associated Press, December 14, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-indonesia-counterterrorism-jakarta-islamic-state-group-6bab71a7261501d065e2a8f9de46c207.

In May 2005, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Zulkarnaen under Executive Order 13224, for being a member of JI’s central command and apparent head of its military section.“Treasury Designated Jemaah Islamiyah’s Emir, Top Bomb Maker and Military Commander,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 12, 2005, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/js2441.aspx. Following suit, the U.N. Security Council added Zulkarnaen to its al-Qaeda sanctions list for his ties to the global terrorist network, as well as association with Osama bin Laden and the Taliban. When he was listed, Zulkarnaen was believed to be one of al-Qaeda’s representatives in Southeast Asia and one of the few Indonesians who had direct contact with bin Laden’s network.“Aris Sumarsono,” United Nations Security Council, accessed December 17, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/zulkarnaen. The U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program also offered up to $5 million for Zulkarnaen’s arrest.“Zulkarnaen,” U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice, accessed December 17, 2020, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/zulkarnaen.html.

On December 10, 2020, Indonesia’s counterterrorism police arrested Zulkarnaen during a raid on a house in East Lampung district on the island of Sumatra. He had evaded arrest for more than 18 years.“Indonesian Police Arrest Militant Leader Associated with al-Qaida,” Voice of America, December 13, 2020, https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/indonesian-police-arrest-militant-leader-associated-al-qaida; Associated Press, “Indonesian Police Move Top Terror Suspect for Investigation,” Voice of America, December 16, 2020, https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/indonesian-police-move-top-terror-suspect-investigation. He was transferred to Jakarta on December 16.Associated Press, “Indonesian Police Move Top Terror Suspect for Investigation,” Voice of America, December 16, 2020, https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/indonesian-police-move-top-terror-suspect-investigation.

The trial against Zulkarnaen began in September 2021, at the East Jakarta District Court. During testimony, Zulkarnaen claimed he was not involved in the 2002 Bali bombings. Convicted militants corroborated his claims, arguing that Zulkarnaen knew of the plot in Bali but did not play a role in the operation.Niniek Karmini, “Indonesian prosecutors delay sentence for top terror suspect,” Associated Press, December 29, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/al-qaida-indonesia-southeast-asia-asia-jemaah-islamiyah-05301bd408e9ddcb45b4a94459d5b39a. On January 19, 2022, the presiding judge sentenced Zulkarnaen to 15 years in prison after he was found guilty of withholding information and sheltering an extremist figure. The three-judge panel abstained from issuing a charge related to the Bali bombings because the statute of limitations had expired. Prosecutors, who had sought a life sentence, said they would appeal to a higher court. Agustinus Beo Da Costa and Stanley Widianto, “Indonesia jails militant from group blamed for Bali bombings,” Reuters, January 19, 2022, "https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesian-militant-linked-bali-bombings-given-15-year-jail-term-judge-2022-01-19; Niniek Karmini, “Indonesian militant gets 15 years in jail over Bali attacks,” Associated Press, January 19, 2022, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/indonesian-militant-15-years-jail-bali-attacks-82344879.

Hussein Falih Aziz, a.k.a. Abu Zainab al-Lami, is a U.S.-designated senior Iraqi military officer and security chief of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).John Davison and Ahmed Rasheed, “Exclusive: Iraq trains U.S.-sanctioned militia leader for army position – sources,” Reuters, November 26, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-politics-militias-exclusive-idCAKBN286286; “SPECIALLY DESIGNATED NATIONALS LIST UPDATE,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20191206. Aziz is also a former member of Iran-backed Shiite militia Kata’ib Hezbollah, though he reportedly denies any formal ties to Iran or its militias.“Iraq Trains US-sanctioned ‘PMF’ Leader,” Asharq al-Awsat, November 28, 2020, https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2651536/iraq-trains-us-sanctioned-pmf-leader. The U.S. government accuses Aziz of complicity in the PMF’s killing of protesters in Baghdad in October 2019.“Treasury Sanctions Iran-Backed Militia Leaders Who Killed Innocent Demonstrators in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/sm847.

Aziz is director of the PMF’s Central Security Directorate, which maintains its own intelligence and military forces. The unit acts as an internal affairs branch and is authorized to discipline PMF leaders.Michael Knights, “Iran’s Expanding Militia Army in Iraq: The New Special Groups,” CTC Sentinel, August 2019, https://ctc.usma.edu/app/uploads/2019/08/CTC-SENTINEL-072019.pdf. Some analysts postulated that Lami was being groomed to eventually replace PMF deputy commander Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, a.k.a. Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, who also led KH.Michael Knights, “Iran’s Expanding Militia Army in Iraq: The New Special Groups,” CTC Sentinel, August 2019, https://ctc.usma.edu/app/uploads/2019/08/CTC-SENTINEL-072019.pdf; Lara Jakes, “U.S. Seeks to Punish Iraqi Militias That Targeted Protesters With Iran’s Help,” New York Times, December 6, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/06/us/politics/iraq-iran-sanctions.html. Ibrahimi died in a January 3, 2020, U.S. airstrike in Iraq that also killed Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.Frank Miles, “Baghdad rocket attack kills Iranian military leaders including Gen. Qassim Soleimani, reports say,” Fox News, January 2, 2020,  https://www.foxnews.com/world/rockets-baghdad-airport-injuries-reported. The PMF is directly supported by Iran. As the PMF’s security director, Aziz had direct contact with Soleimani.Michael Knights, “Iran’s Expanding Militia Army in Iraq: The New Special Groups,” CTC Sentinel, August 2019, https://ctc.usma.edu/app/uploads/2019/08/CTC-SENTINEL-072019.pdf; Lara Jakes, “U.S. Seeks to Punish Iraqi Militias That Targeted Protesters With Iran’s Help,” New York Times, December 6, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/06/us/politics/iraq-iran-sanctions.html.

According to the Department of the Treasury, Aziz was responsible for, complicit in, or directly or indirectly engaged in “serious human rights abuse.”“Treasury Sanctions Iran-Backed Militia Leaders Who Killed Innocent Demonstrators in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/sm847. In 2017, Aziz reportedly supervised a secret PMF prison in Iraq holding ISIS members and other largely Sunni prisoners. Prisoners alleged torture and mass killings in the prison under his watch. Iranian officers also allegedly oversaw the prison.“Exclusive: Destination of IMIS prison filled with Iraqi Sunnis revealed,” Baghdad Post, March 7, 2017, https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/7839/Exclusive-Destination-of-IMIS-prison-filled-with-Iraqi-Sunnis-revealed. The U.S. government sanction-designated Aziz in December 2019 for his role in violently quelling protests in Baghdad in October 2019.“Treasury Sanctions Iran-Backed Militia Leaders Who Killed Innocent Demonstrators in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/sm847.

On October 1, 2019, Iraqis began protesting in the streets of Baghdad against public corruption and unemployment. They also accused Iran of interfering in Iraqi affairs. Security forces opened fire on the protesters when they attempted to enter the Green Zone, prompting the protests to spread around Iraq.“The Iraq protests explained in 100 and 500 words,” BBC News, December 2, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50595212. At least 400 protesters died in the first two months of the protests, leading Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to resign on November 30, 2019.Alissa J. Rubin and Falih Hassan, “Iraqi Prime Minister Resigns in Deepening Political Crisis,” New York Times, November 30, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/30/world/middleeast/adel-abdul-mahdi-resigns-iraq.html. According to the U.S. government, Aziz directed PMF fighters to shoot anti-government protesters in Baghdad in October 2019, resulting in dozens of deaths. That December, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Aziz under Executive Order 13818, claiming he is “responsible for, is complicit in, or has directly or indirectly engaged in serious human rights abuse.”“Treasury Sanctions Iran-Backed Militia Leaders Who Killed Innocent Demonstrators in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm847. Aziz has denied killing peaceful protesters.“Iraq Trains US-sanctioned ‘PMF’ Leader,” Asharq al-Awsat, November 28, 2020, https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2651536/iraq-trains-us-sanctioned-pmf-leader. Despite the change in Iraq’s government, anti-corruption protests have continued throughout 2020.“Six dead in clashes between rival protesters in southern Iraq,” Al Jazeera, November 28, 2020, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/28/six-dead-in-clashes-among-rival-protesters-in-southern-iraq; “Iraqi leader calls for end to violence in Sulaymaniyah protests,” Al Jazeera, December 8, 2020, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/8/iraqi-leader-calls-for-end-to-violence-in-sulaymaniyah-protests.

On July 1, 2019, Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi issued a decree ordering the militias of the PMF to choose between full integration into the Iraqi armed forces or disarmament by July 31. The prime minister’s decree stated that the PMF factions had to choose between either political or paramilitary activity, and if they choose politics they would not be allowed to carry weapons.Jared Szuba, “Mahdi orders full integration of Shia militias into Iraq’s armed forces,” July 3, 2019, https://thedefensepost.com/2019/07/03/iraq-mahdi-orders-popular-mobilization-units-integration/.; “Shia militia agrees to integrate into Iraq state army,” Middle East Monitor, July 3, 2019, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190703-shia-militia-agrees-to-integrate-into-iraq-state-army/. The decree was an attempt by Abdul Mahdi at curtailing the autonomy of Iranian-backed militias, which boast more than 120,000 fighters.Isabel Coles in Beirut and Dion Nissenbaum, “U.S.: Saudi Pipeline Attacks Originated From Iraq,” Washington Post, June 28, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-saudi-pipeline-attacks-originated-from-iraq-11561741133. The decree included a reorganization of the PMF that would have seen Aziz become a deputy to Iraq’s interior minister.Suadad al-Salhy, “Revealed: How Baghdad plans to rein in Iran,” Arab News, July 13, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1525156/middle-east. Abdul Mahdi issued a new decree in September 2019 that restructured the PMF’s leadership.Fadhel al-Nashmi, “Iraqi PM Issues New order on PMF Restructuring,” Asharq al-Awsat (London), September 22, 2020, https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1913381/iraqi-pm-issues-new-order-pmf-restructuring. As of December 2019, Aziz remained in his role as the PMF’s security chief.John Davison and Daphne Psaledakis, “Washington blacklists Iran-backed Iraqi militia leaders over protests,” Reuters, December 6, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-usa-iraq-sanctions/washington-blacklists-iran-backed-iraqi-militia-leaders-over-protests-idUSKBN1YA206.

In November 2020, the Iraqi military bestowed the rank of major-general upon Aziz and sent him to Egypt for a year-long military training course. The training is typically reserved for Iraqi military leaders. The Iraqi government reportedly seeks to restructure the PMF by providing military training to its leaders in a bid to weaken the militias that comprise the PMF. An unnamed Iraqi official told Reuters that Aziz will receive a senior position upon completion of his training. Sheikh Ali al-Asadi, an official in the Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba militia, claimed Aziz’s selection for the training demonstrated the PMF’s strength.John Davison and Ahmed Rasheed, “Exclusive: Iraq trains U.S.-sanctioned militia leader for army position – sources,” Reuters, November 26, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-politics-militias-exclusive-idCAKBN286286.

Mudzrimar “Mundi” Sawadjaan, is a unit leader and bombmaker of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who is operating in the Sulu province of southern Philippines.Rambo Talabong, “Mundi Sawadjaan behind Jolo twin bombings, military says,” Rappler, August 27, 2020, https://www.rappler.com/nation/military-report-person-behind-jolo-bombings. Sawadjaan is the suspected mastermind of two major attacks in the city of Jolo, Sulu—the January 2019 cathedral bombings that killed at least 23 people and the August 2020 twin blasts which killed at least 14 people.“Military’s Wesmincom chief disputes reports Abu Sayyaf sub-leader already fled Sulu,” ABS-CBN News, September 1, 2020, https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/01/20/militarys-wesmincom-chief-disputes-reports-abu-sayyaf-sub-leader-already-fled-sulu. According to a Philippine military spokesman, Sawadjaan controls a group of about 40 fighters as of September 2020. He is also the nephew of Hatib Hajan Sawdjaan, the U.S.-designated emir (leader) of ISIS in the Philippines and a Sulu-based commander of ASG.Rambo Talabong, “Mundi Sawadjaan behind Jolo twin bombings, military says,” Rappler, August 27, 2020, https://www.rappler.com/nation/military-report-person-behind-jolo-bombings; “Military seizes alleged hideout of Abu Sayyaf's Mundi Sawadjaan in Sulu,” ABS-CBN News, September 22, 2020, https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/22/20/military-seizes-alleged-hideout-of-abu-sayyafs-mundi-sawadjaan-in-sulu.

In addition to his uncle, Sawadjaan has several other family members who are or have been members of ASG. In September 2020, his cousin Arsibar Sawadjaan, also an ASG unit leader and bombmaker, was killed in a firefight with Philippine government forces in Patikul, Sulu.Marin Sadongdong, “Cousin of ASG top bomb maker Mundi Sawadjaan killed in Sulu clash — military,” Manila Bulletin, September 28, 2020, https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/28/cousin-of-asg-top-bomb-maker-mundi-sawadjaan-killed-in-sulu-clash-military/. His two brothers Madsmar and Mannul Sawadjaan, who were active in the group’s kidnap-for-ransom activities, were killed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a clash on the Sulu Sea in November 2020.“2 brothers of Jolo bombing suspect, 5 other Abu Sayyaf members killed in sea clash,” CNN Philippines, November 3, 2020, https://www.cnnphilippines.com/regional/2020/11/3/Abu-Sayyaf-members-Sawadjaan-Sulu-Sea.html.

Sawadjaan is the suspected mastermind of two major attacks in Jolo. On January 27, 2019, two suicide bombers, an Indonesian couple, detonated their explosives during Sunday mass at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, killing at least 23 people and wounding more than 100. Philippine authorities immediately blamed the attack on an ASG sub-group called Ajang-Ajang (“sons of martyrs”), comprised of a younger generation whose relatives were ASG fighters killed in battle. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack. Philippine police initially accused ASG leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan of funding and planning the attack. However, a military official later claimed that Mudzrimar Sawadjaan was the mastermind.Richard C. Paddock and Richard Guttierez, “Indonesian Couple Carried out Philippines Cathedral Bombing, Policy Say,” New York Times, July 23, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/23/world/asia/philippines-bombing-deportees-isis.html; Associated Press, “5 militants linked to deadly church bombing surrender in the Philippines,” South China Morning Post, February 4, 2019, https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2185012/5-militants-linked-deadly-church-bombing-surrender; “Military’s Wesmincom chief disputes reports Abu Sayyaf sub-leader already fled Sulu,” ABS-CBN News, September 1, 2020, https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/01/20/militarys-wesmincom-chief-disputes-reports-abu-sayyaf-sub-leader-already-fled-sulu.

On August 24, 2020, two female suicide bombers carried out twin bombings in Jolo, killing 14 people and injuring 25 others. The first occurred in the middle of the day, when a bomb attached to a motorcycle exploded near two army trucks that were parked in front of a grocery store. The explosion claimed the majority of casualties, including several children. An hour later, another suicide bomber detonated her explosive as she approached two soldiers who were standing guard at a Roman Catholic cathedral. According to the Philippine army chief, both perpetrators were female and widows of militants who worked for ASG. Shortly after the blasts, however, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks in an online statement. Philippine military officials believe it is the worst extremist attack in the Philippines in 2020.Jim Gomez, “14 killed, 75 wounded in bomb attacks in south Philippines,” Associated Press, August 24, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/c23ac98f9ecb64eb8d610c304a95d43c; Agence France-Presse, “Suicide bombers in Philippine attack were militants’ widows: Army,” Jakarta Post, August 26, 2020, https://www.thejakartapost.com/seasia/2020/08/26/suicide-bombers-in-philippine-attack-were-militants-widows-army----------.html. Sawadjaan was the alleged mastermind of the attack, according to Major General Corleto Vinluan, the chief of the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command.Rambo Talabong, “Mundi Sawadjaan behind Jolo twin bombings, military says,” Rappler, August 27, 2020, https://www.rappler.com/nation/military-report-person-behind-jolo-bombings; “Military seizes alleged hideout of Abu Sayyaf's Mundi Sawadjaan in Sulu,” ABS-CBN News, September 22, 2020, https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/22/20/military-seizes-alleged-hideout-of-abu-sayyafs-mundi-sawadjaan-in-sulu. The Philippines’ National Intelligence Coordinating Agency offered a PHP 3 million (approximately $60,000) reward for information leading to his capture.Danielle Nakpil, “₱6-M bounty up for Jolo blasts’ alleged mastermind, 1 other suspect,” CNN Philippines, August 29, 2020, https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/8/29/Zamboanga-City-gov-t--3-million-reward-arrest-3-Abu-Sayyaf-militants--.html.

Sawadjaan is believed to be hiding out near his home on the island province of Sulu. On October 31, 2020 the Philippine military thwarted a bombing plot in Jolo, Sulu. Authorities uncovered an improvised explosive device (IED) wrapped in coconut leaves, which appeared to have been made by Sawadjaan.“Bombing plot foiled in Sulu,” ABS-CBN News, October 31, 2020, https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/31/20/bombing-plot-foiled-in-sulu. An AFP joint task force is engaged in an ongoing operation in the area in an effort to track down Sawadjaan and his group and bring them into custody.“Military’s Wesmincom chief disputes reports Abu Sayyaf sub-leader already fled Sulu,” ABS-CBN News, September 1, 2020, https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/01/20/militarys-wesmincom-chief-disputes-reports-abu-sayyaf-sub-leader-already-fled-sulu; Danielle Nakpil, “₱6-M bounty up for Jolo blasts’ alleged mastermind, 1 other suspect,” CNN Philippines, August 29, 2020, https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/8/29/Zamboanga-City-gov-t--3-million-reward-arrest-3-Abu-Sayyaf-militants--.html.

Furuji Indama was a member of the Philippine based terrorist organization Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Indama was notorious for leading ASG’s kidnap-for-ransom activities and has been implicated in several deadly terrorist attacks.Carmela Fonbuena, “Basilan car blast: Furuji Indama unleashes terror even in hiding,” Rappler, August 1, 2018, https://www.rappler.com/nation/basilan-blast-abu-sayyaf-furuji-indama-terror-even-in-hiding. In October 2020, the Philippine military announced that it believed Indama had been fatally wounded during a September 2020 clash with the armed forces. The military has been working to locate his remains in order to confirm his death.“Military believes Abu Sayyaf subleader Furuji Indama is dead,” Rappler, October 30, 2020, https://www.rappler.com/nation/military-believes-abu-sayyaf-subleader-furuji-indama-dead. At the time of his alleged death, Indama served as the leader of ASG’s Basilan-based faction.“Protecting the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas from Abu Sayyaf Attacks,” Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, January 9, 2019, 3, http://file.understandingconflict.org/file/2019/01/IPAC_Report_53_Sulu.pdf.

According to Basilan Governor Jim Hataman, Indama volunteered to join ASG, though it is unclear at what age he became involved. Indama was believed to be a member of a group within ASG known as Ajang-Ajang (“sons of martyrs”), whose relatives were ASG members who died in battle against the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).Carmela Fonbuena, “Basilan car blast: Furuji Indama unleashes terror even in hiding,” Rappler, August 1, 2018, https://www.rappler.com/nation/basilan-blast-abu-sayyaf-furuji-indama-terror-even-in-hiding.

On July 12, 2011, Indama led a group of militants in kidnapping two U.S. nationals, a 43-year-old woman named Gerfa Lunsmann and her 14-year-old son Kevin Lunsmann, who were vacationing on Tictabon Island. The extremists threatened to harm and kill the hostages if ransom payments were not made, then transferred the captives to Basilan Island. Lunsmann was released in October 2011 following ransom payments made to the extremist group by her husband, and Kevin was able to escape two months later in December.United States of America v. John Doe #1, et al., Indictment, (D. Col. 2013), 3-6, https://www.justice.gov/file/180696/download. The U.S. Department of Justice indicted Indama and three co-conspirators in absentia in the District of Columbia on December 4, 2014. The four were charged with conspiracy, hostage-taking, and weapons charges.“Four Men Indicted on Charges in 2011 Kidnapping of Mother and Teenage Son in the Philippines,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 4, 2014, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/four-men-indicted-charges-2011-kidnapping-mother-and-teenage-son-philippines. The suspects were not in custody when charged and were identified as John Does, but are also known as Furuji Indama, Radzmil Jannatul, Muadz, and Abu Basim.Susan Svrluga, “Four men indicted in overseas kidnapping of 14-year-old American boy, his mother,” Washington Post, December 4, 2014, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/four-men-indicted-in-overseas-kidnapping-of-14-year-old-american-boy-his-mother/2014/12/04/a2b0e954-7bf8-11e4-b821-503cc7efed9e_story.html.

In April 2016, Indama and his followers engaged in a 10-hour firefight against Philippine government forces during AFP operations in Basilan. At least 24 of his followers were killed, including a high-value target—alleged Moroccan-based bomb expert Mohammad Khattab. An AFP spokesperson claimed that Indama was among the slain ASG members and that they were attempting to recover their remains. However, Indama’s death was later proved to be erroneously announced.“Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama critically wounded, says Gazmin,” ABS-CBN News, April 12, 2016, https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/04/12/16/abu-sayyaf-leader-furuji-indama-critically-wounded-says-gazmin.

Following the death of Isnilon Totoni Hapilon in October 2017, Indama was believed to have taken charge of the Basilan-based ASG faction. Hapilon had been the longtime leader of ASG’s Basilan-based faction and the assumed leader of ISIS in Southeast Asia since 2016.“Protecting the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas from Abu Sayyaf Attacks,” Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, January 9, 2019, 3, http://file.understandingconflict.org/file/2019/01/IPAC_Report_53_Sulu.pdf. Indama was a close associate of Hapilon and was reportedly groomed to succeed Hapilon.Roel Pareño, “Westmincom confirms death of Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama,” Philstar, October 30, 2020, https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/10/30/2053429/westmincom-confirms-death-abu-sayyaf-leader-furuji-indama.

Indama has since been implicated in several deadly terrorist attacks. On July 31, 2018, a car bomb exploded at a checkpoint in Basilan, which killed at least 10 people. According to witnesses, the driver of the vehicle was a foreigner and did not speak the local language. Local authorities said the bombing bore the hallmarks of an ASG attack, though ISIS claimed responsibility via its Amaq News Agency.Jake Maxwell Watts and Ben Otto, “Philippines Car Bombing Linked to Pro-Islamic State Group,” Wall Street Journal, July 31, 2018, https://www.wsj.com/articles/philippines-car-bombing-linked-to-pro-islamic-state-group-1533037917. The national police chief pinpointed Indama as the mastermind behind the attack and he was indicted in absentia in the Philippines along with 17 other ASG members in September 2018.“43 suspects in deadly Philippine bombings face criminal raps,” Associated Press, September 18, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/e4b76c3589474f71a6a9258f2561f2d9. In 2019, Philippine police arrested a number of ASG members operating under Indama, including one suspect linked to a 2015 bombing at a bus terminal that killed an 11-year-old girl.Leizel Lacastesantos, “Alleged Abu member linked to 2017 Zamboanga bus station bombing arrested,” ABS-CBN News, July 24, 2019, https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/24/19/alleged-abu-member-linked-to-2015-zamboanga-bus-station-bombing-arrested; “The Philippines: Militancy and the New Bangsamoro,” International Crisis Group, June 27, 2019, https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/301-philippines-militancy-and-new-bangsamoro.

On September 6, 2020, Philippine troops clashed with Indama’s group in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, forcing Indama to flee. Days later on September 9, a military unit tracked and reportedly killed Indama in a coastal town of the province. Four other ASG fighters were killed and two soldiers were wounded. On October 30, 2020, the head of the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command claimed that Indama had been killed and stated that the military was working to locate his remains.Roel Pareño, “Westmincom confirms death of Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama,” Philstar, October 30, 2020, https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/10/30/2053429/westmincom-confirms-death-abu-sayyaf-leader-furuji-indama.

Marwan Issa was the U.S.-designated deputy commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing. Some sources claim Issa was named the group’s leader following the death of Ahmed Jaabari in an Israeli attack in 2012. Issa remained deputy commander to Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, but served as a representative for the Brigades in Hamas’s political bureau.Elior Levy, “Head of Hamas' military wing makes rare appearance,” Ynetnews, March 1, 2015, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4632278,00.html; Adnan Abu Amer, “Hamas won't give up military wing despite agreement,” Al-Monitor, May 2, 2014, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/05/qassam-weapons-hamas-fatah-reconciliation.html#ixzz6ZWmOjonx; Brandon Friendman, “Another Gaza War?,” Foreign Policy Research Institute, November 13, 2018, https://www.fpri.org/article/2018/11/another-gaza-war/. Israel accused Issa of helping plan Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which killed approximately 1,200 people and sparked a war between Hamas and Israel.“Samia Nakhoul, James Mackenzie and Phil Stewart, “Insight: Israel’s most wanted: the three Hamas leaders in Gaza it aims to kill,” Reuters, December 1, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-most-wanted-three-hamas-commanders-gaza-it-must-kill-2023-12-01/. Israel killed Issa in a March 2024 airstrike.Adam Rasgon, “Israel Says It Targeted Marwan Issa, a Top Hamas Leader in Gaza,” New York Times, March 11, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/world/middleeast/israel-strike-marwan-issa-hamas.html; Ellen Mitchell, “Top Hamas commander killed in Israeli airstrike: White House,” Hill, March 18, 2024, https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4539947-top-hamas-commander-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-white-house/.

Born in a refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, not much else was known about Issa’s years before joining Hamas. According to scholars at the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, Issa was previously responsible for Hamas’s special operations unit, where he associated closely with the external leadership. Issa reportedly led the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades in the central Gaza Strip.“Elections to the Hamas Political Bureau in the Gaza Strip: Overview and Significance,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, February 22, 2017, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/Data/articles/Art_21158/E_035_17_312810974.pdf.

Furthermore, Issa was incarcerated in Israel between 1987 and 1993 for his involvement in terrorist attacksduring the first Palestinian intifada.Darcie Grunblatt, “Marwan Issa: Who is the deputy to Hamas leader Mohammed Deif?,” Jerusalem Post, March 11, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-791302. However, no specific information has been made available regarding his participation in terrorist attacks that landed him in prison. Issa reportedly survived an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attempt to assassinate him in 2006.“Elections to the Hamas Political Bureau in the Gaza Strip: Overview and Significance,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, February 22, 2017, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/Data/articles/Art_21158/E_035_17_312810974.pdf.

On June 25, 2006, a group of Palestinian terrorists representing multiple terrorist groups, including Hamas, launched a cross-border raid into Israel and captured 19-year-old Corporal Gilad Shalit.Tim Butcher, “Soldier Kidnapped and Two Killed in Gaza Tunnel Attack,” Telegraph (London), June 26, 2006, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/1522370/Soldier-kidnapped-and-two-killed-in-Gaza-tunnel-attack.html; Steven Erlanger, “Tensions Rise After Israeli Is Kidnapped,” New York Times, June 26, 2006, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/26/world/middleeast/26cnd-mideast.html. Hamas held Shalit until a negotiated October 2011 prisoner exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.Jeffrey Heller and Nidal al-Mughrabi, “Israel and Hamas Agree Prisoner Swap to Free Shalit,” Reuters, October 11, 2011, http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/11/us-israel-palestinians-shalit-idUSTRE79A58R20111011. Issa reportedly played a role in arranging the prisoner exchange.“Samia Nakhoul, James Mackenzie and Phil Stewart, “Insight: Israel’s most wanted: the three Hamas leaders in Gaza it aims to kill,” Reuters, December 1, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-most-wanted-three-hamas-commanders-gaza-it-must-kill-2023-12-01/.

On November 14, 2012, the IDF carried out several airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, killing Ahmed Jaabari, the leader of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Issa was also targeted in the strikes but survived.Bill Rogio, “Israel Kills Top Hamas Military Commander in Gaza Airstrike,” Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, November 14, 2012, https://www.fdd.org/analysis/op-eds/2012/11/14/israel-kills-top-hamas-military-commander-in-gaza-airstrike/.

In a rare appearance at a conference organized by an undisclosed think tank linked to Hamas in March 2015, Issa addressed a February 3, 2015 ruling by the Egyptian court that blacklisted the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, as well as Hamas, as a terrorist group.Elior Levy, “Head of Hamas' military wing makes rare appearance,” Ynetnews, March 1, 2015, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4632278,00.html. Issa claimed Hamas was not seeking a military confrontation with Israel, but sought to double its force for a future confrontation by manufacturing its own rockets. He also claimed that Hamas sought to forge regional alliances that would allow it to procure additional arms.“Elections to the Hamas Political Bureau in the Gaza Strip: Overview and Significance,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, February 22, 2017, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/Data/articles/Art_21158/E_035_17_312810974.pdf; Elior Levy, “Head of Hamas' military wing makes rare appearance,” Ynetnews, March 1, 2015, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4632278,00.html.

In January 2019, Hamas operatives reportedly discovered and disassembled spyware equipment placed in a home adjacent to Issa’s. The device was allegedly placed by a “collaborator” who sought to record audio from Issa’s home and send it to Israel in an effort to circumvent recent changes in Issa’s use of communication technology. The “collaborator” was allegedly arrested by unidentified Palestinian operatives, who later discovered a larger network of spyware across the Gaza Strip.Adam Rasgon, “Hamas Claims to Foil Israeli Attempt to Spy on One of its Gaza Leaders,” Times of Israel, January 21, 2019,  https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-claims-it-foiled-israeli-attempt-to-spy-on-military-leader-in-gaza/.

On September 10, 2019, the U.S. Department of State designated Issa as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for his role in Hamas.“Terrorist Designations under Amended Executive Order to Modernize Sanctions to Combat Terrorism,” U.S. Department of State, September 10, 2019, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designations-under-amended-executive-order-to-modernize-sanctions-to-combat-terrorism/.

In February 2020, it was reported that Israel planned to assassinate Issa and Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar. Upon learning of the plot, Egyptian intelligence officials traveled to Israel to persuade them not to carry out the assassinations. The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades responded that their leaders do not fear assassination and will continue pursuing their resistance against Israel.“Egypt warned Israel not to assassinate Hamas leaders in Gaza,” Middle East Monitor, February 19, 2020, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200219-egypt-warned-israel-not-to-assassinate-hamas-leaders-in-gaza/.

In January 2021, former Hamas commander Basel Salahiya alleged that Israel created 430 tunnels into Gaza in preparation for a surprise attack. He accused senior Hamas leaders, including Issa, of being aware of the tunnels’ existence but keeping the knowledge secret from the Palestinian public. Hamas officials, however, stated that Salahiya’s allegations were false, and seek to “hurt the morale of Hamas operatives and the Palestinian public in the Gaza strip, in light of his removal from the organization.”Baruch Yedid, Disgraced Hamas Commander Claims IDF Has Attack Tunnels Running into Gaza,” Jewish Press, January 6, 2021, https://www.jewishpress.com/news/eye-on-palestine/hamas/disgraced-hamas-commander-claims-idf-has-attack-tunnels-running-into-gaza/2021/01/06/.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a barrage of rockets toward Israel, while Hamas fighters crossed into Israel from Gaza via motorcycles, pickup trucks, paragliders, and speed boats in an unprecedented assault by the terror group during the Jewish Sabbath and holiday of Shemini Atzeret. Hamas had launched at least 3,500 rockets toward Israel by the end of the day. Hamas killed at least 1,200 people and captured approximately 240 civilian and military hostages.Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2; “Israel revises Hamas attack death toll to ‘around 1,200,’” Reuters, November 10, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-revises-death-toll-oct-7-hamas-attack-around-1200-2023-11-10/. Deif called for all-out war on Israel and called on Palestinians in east Jerusalem and the West Bank to join in the fighting. He labeled Hamas’s attack “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm,” also known as “Al-Aqsa Flood.” Deif called it a response to the Israeli-Egyptian blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids inside West Bank cities over the past year, and violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2; Seth J. Frantzman, “Hamas terror commander Deif calls for all out war on Israel,” Jerusalem Post, October 7, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-762052. Israel declared war on Hamas and launched an offensive in Gaza to uproot the terrorist group.Eyad Kourdi and Jonny Hallam, “Hamas claims to be holding more than 100 hostages, including Israeli army officers,” CNN, October 8, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-gaza-attack-10-08-23/h_97798904006dac1bcebd4ec84e359b33. Israel’s military leaders named Issa, Deif, and Sinwar as their most-wanted in Gaza as they rooted out Hamas’s infrastructure. Israeli military leaders warned all three were on a kill list. Israel accused all three of forming a military council that planned and executed the October 7 attack.“Samia Nakhoul, James Mackenzie and Phil Stewart, “Insight: Israel’s most wanted: the three Hamas leaders in Gaza it aims to kill,” Reuters, December 1, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-most-wanted-three-hamas-commanders-gaza-it-must-kill-2023-12-01/. After the October attack, Israel raided Issa’s home in the Bureij refugee camp in Gaza. His home reportedly included a swimming pool, a large yard, and luxurious furniture.Darcie Grunblatt, “Marwan Issa: Who is the deputy to Hamas leader Mohammed Deif?,” Jerusalem Post, March 11, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-791302. The European Union added Issa and Deif to its list of designated terrorists on December 8.“Fight against terrorism: Council adds two individuals to the EU terrorist list in response to the 7 October attacks,” European Council – Council of the European Union, December 8, 2023, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/12/08/fight-against-terrorism-council-adds-two-individuals-to-the-eu-terrorist-list-in-response-to-the-7-october-attacks/.

Citing Palestinian sources, a March 2024 report by Sky News Arabia claimed the Hamas leadership had criticized Sinwar for launching the October 7 attack without prior consultation with Hamas’s political leaders. Sinwar reportedly consulted with his brother Muhammad Sinwar, Deif, and Issa. The four had not consulted the rest of the Hamas leadership and its political bureau, who were ignorant of the decision.Jerusalem Post, March 5, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-790331. According to IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Issa, Sinwar, and Deif comprise “the main triangle of terror.”Adam Rasgon, “Israel Says It Targeted Marwan Issa, a Top Hamas Leader in Gaza,” New York Times, March 11, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/world/middleeast/israel-strike-marwan-issa-hamas.html.

Over the weekend of March 9-10, 2024, Israeli warplanes targeted Issa in a building in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Five Palestinians reportedly died in the strike, but it was not immediately clear if Issa was among them. On March 11, Hagari declared Israel was still analyzing the results of the strike. Hamas also said it was investigating the strike and Issa’s fate.Adam Rasgon, “Israel Says It Targeted Marwan Issa, a Top Hamas Leader in Gaza,” New York Times, March 11, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/world/middleeast/israel-strike-marwan-issa-hamas.html; Emanuel Fabian and agencies, “Israel, Hamas both said probing fate of terror group’s No. 3, targeted in airstrike,” Times of Israel, March 11, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-hamas-both-said-probing-fate-of-terror-groups-no-3-targeted-in-airstrike/. On March 18, the White House confirmed Issa’s death in the strike a week earlier. Issa represented the highest-level Hamas death since the start of the Hamas-Israel war in October 2023. According to Jake Sullivan, national security adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden, the United States would help Israel locate other Hamas leaders and “justice will come for them too.”Phil McCausland, “Israel Gaza: US reports death of senior Hamas military leader Marwan Issa,” BBC News, March 19, 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68578735. Sullivan claimed Hamas’s Gaza leadership likely remained in hiding in Gaza’s underground tunnel network.Ellen Mitchell, “Top Hamas commander killed in Israeli airstrike: White House,” Hill, March 18, 2024, https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4539947-top-hamas-commander-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-white-house/.

On February 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued an indictment charging Issa and five other senior Hamas leaders with terrorism charges related to October 7. According to the indictment, the six leaders played central roles in planning, supporting, and perpetrating Hamas’s terrorist atrocities of October 7. In addition to Issa, the indictment charged Deif, Sinwar, Haniyeh, Khaled Meshaal, and Ali Baraka. The complaint specifically charged the six with conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, conspiracy to finance terrorism, conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction resulting in death, and conspiracy to support terrorism resulting in death. The complaint cited Hamas terrorist acts dating back to 1996. According to the Justice Department, the indictment was kept under seal to prevent Haniyeh and others from going into hiding. The Justice Department unsealed the indictment on September 3, 2024, after determining there was no longer sufficient reason to keep the indictment sealed after Haniyeh’s death that July.“Justice Department Announces Terrorism Charges Against Senior Leaders of Hamas,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 3, 2024, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-terrorism-charges-against-senior-leaders-hamas.

Tyler Vilus is a French jihadist who was allegedly a senior figure in ISIS as well as the emir of the pro-ISIS al-Muhajireen (the immigrants) brigade.“French jihadist goes on trial over IS group executions in Syria,” France 24, June 25, 2020, https://www.france24.com/en/20200625-french-jihadist-goes-on-trial-over-is-group-executions-in-syria. Vilus is accused of supervising executions, commanding mass violence, and facilitating the travel of foreign fighters into Syria.“French jihadist goes on trial over IS group executions in Syria,” France 24, June 25, 2020, https://www.france24.com/en/20200625-french-jihadist-goes-on-trial-over-is-group-executions-in-syria. He is currently serving a 30 year prison sentence in France on charges of belonging to a terrorist group and leading ISIS fighters in “aggravated murder” between 2013 and 2015.“Trial of senior French Daesh extremist opens in Paris,” Arab News, June 25, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1695271/world.

Vilus was raised by his mother in Troyes, France. After dropping out of school and failing to join the Foreign Legion, he turned to crime. In 2010, Vilus was convicted of aggravated violence, but it is unreported if he served any time in jail. A year later, a friend of Vilus gave him a copy of the Quran and he quickly converted to a radical sect of Islam. Vilus eventually convinced his mother to convert before both moved to Tunisia.Lara Marlowe, “Trial opens of ‘Granny Jihad’ who followed son to Syria,” The Irish Times, October 5, 2017, https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/trial-opens-of-granny-jihad-who-followed-son-to-syria-1.3245859. In Tunisia, he reportedly became close with members of Ansar al-Sharia and participated in the American embassy attack in Tunis on September 14, 2012. Vilus became further radicalized and in October 2012, he left Tunisia to join the jihad in Syria.“Focus: Tyler Vilus,” Centre d’analyse du terrorisme, June 2020, http://cat-int.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FOCUS-Tyler-Vilus.pdf.

Vilus settled in Anadan, northern Aleppo, where many other French speaking jihadists were based. However, he did not officially join an extremist outfit until March 2013 when he briefly joined the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front. Sometime between the spring and winter of 2013, Vilus joined al-Muhajireen—a foreign brigade of French and Belgian ISIS fighters.Callum Paton, “Trial of ISIS fighter linked to Paris attackers begins in France,” June 26, 2020, The National, https://www.thenational.ae/world/europe/trial-of-isis-fighter-linked-to-paris-attackers-begins-in-france-1.1039738. Vilus also reportedly grew close to a number of key ISIS operatives including Abdelhamid Abaaoud, Najim Laachraoui, Ismaël Mostefai, and Samy Amimour who orchestrated and were involved in the November 2015 attacks in Paris that eventually killed 130 people and wounded 494 others.“2015 Paris Terror Attacks Fast Facts,” CNN, November 13, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/08/europe/2015-paris-terror-attacks-fast-facts/index.html.; “Focus: Tyler Vilus,” Centre d’analyse du terrorisme, June 2020, http://cat-int.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FOCUS-Tyler-Vilus.pdf.

In July 2013, Vilus reportedly began working as a “policeman” and “guard” within ISIS, and eventually became the emir of the French speaking al-Muhajireen. Vilus’s group settled in Aleppo and was known for being particularly violent as they regularly employed torture tactics and carried out brutal executions.“Focus: Tyler Vilus,” Centre d’analyse du terrorisme, June 2020, http://cat-int.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FOCUS-Tyler-Vilus.pdf. In 2014, a video was released that showed members of al-Muhajireen—who were allegedly commanded by Vilus—desecrating corpses before burying them in a mass grave.Callum Paton, “Trial of ISIS fighter linked to Paris attackers begins in France,” June 26, 2020, The National, https://www.thenational.ae/world/europe/trial-of-isis-fighter-linked-to-paris-attackers-begins-in-france-1.1039738.

In 2015, ISIS’s propaganda arm disseminated a video in which Vilus allegedly executed two blindfolded prisoners—one belonging to the Free Syrian Army rebel fighters and the other a member of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s army.Catherine Norris-Trent, “Prosecutors seek life term for French jihadist accused of Syria executions,” France 24, July 3, 2020, https://www.france24.com/en/20200703-prosecutors-seek-life-term-for-french-jihadist-accused-of-syria-executions. After a number of military setbacks by the opposition, Vilus’s unit settled in Shaddadi. Vilus reportedly continued his role within ISIS’s religious police unit, where he investigated potential traitors, carried out summary executions against dissenters and “deviants,” interrogated ISIS prisoners, and also participated in on-the-ground combat that included the July 2014 battle of Deir Ez-Zor where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s men eventually captured the city.“Focus: Tyler Vilus,” Centre d’analyse du terrorisme, June 2020, http://cat-int.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FOCUS-Tyler-Vilus.pdf.

According to the Centre d’analyse du terrorisme (CAT), Vilus was active on Twitter and Facebook, where he operated under the pseudonym, “Si tu veux mon avis” (If you want my opinion). His posts regularly defended ISIS and also called for carrying out attacks in both France and the Levant.“Focus: Tyler Vilus,” Centre d’analyse du terrorisme, June 2020, http://cat-int.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FOCUS-Tyler-Vilus.pdf.

Vilus, along with fellow ISIS member Rached Riahi, also facilitated the travel of foreign fighters into Syria, including his mother and future wife. On June 30, 2015, Vilus left Syria for Turkey, claiming to Riahi that he would take on a “path without return.” Reports from currently detained ISIS members allege Vilus sought to return to Paris to orchestrate the November 13 attacks.“Focus: Tyler Vilus,” Centre d’analyse du terrorisme, June 2020, http://cat-int.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FOCUS-Tyler-Vilus.pdf.

On July 5, 2015, Vilus was arrested at Istanbul Airport on his way to Prague. He attempted to board the plane with a Swedish passport that belonged to a fellow ISIS member.“Qui est le Troyen Tyler Vilus, le premier jihadiste français jugé aux assises pour des crimes commis en Syrie ?,” L’Union, June 25, 2020, https://www.lunion.fr/id158882/article/2020-06-25/terrorisme-le-troyen-tyler-vilus-un-emir-de-lei-aux-assises. Although detained, Vilus continued to communicate with Abaaoud, the mastermind of the November 13 attacks, with Vilus assuring Abaaoud that he would not be locked up indefinitely. However, on July 21, Vilus was deported from Turkey and has since been detained in France. During questioning by French authorities, Vilus claimed he sought to leave the jihad and create a new life in Mauritania. He further claimed he managed to convince Abaaoud that he was traveling through Istanbul to carry out an operation abroad.“Focus: Tyler Vilus,” Centre d’analyse du terrorisme, June 2020, http://cat-int.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FOCUS-Tyler-Vilus.pdf.

On October 6, 2017, Vilus’s mother, Christine Rivière, was sentenced by a Paris court to 10 years in prison for traveling to Syria and “associating with terrorists.”Lara Marlowe, “Trial opens of ‘Granny Jihad’ who followed son to Syria,” The Irish Times, October 5, 2017, https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/trial-opens-of-granny-jihad-who-followed-son-to-syria-1.3245859. According to investigators, Rivière—also known as “Jihadi Gran”—had contributed to strengthening the group logistically. She traveled to Syria three times between the summer of 2013 and spring of 2014 before she was arrested in Paris in July 2014.Lara Marlowe, “Trial opens of ‘Granny Jihad’ who followed son to Syria,” The Irish Times, October 5, 2017, https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/trial-opens-of-granny-jihad-who-followed-son-to-syria-1.3245859. The presiding judge also claimed that Rivière did not disengage her son, but rather encouraged him to radicalize and join the jihad.“'Jihadi Gran' gets 10 years after joining son in Syria,” Reuters, October 6, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-jihadi-trial/jihadi-gran-gets-10-years-after-joining-son-in-syria-idUSKBN1CB1ZQ.

On June 25, 2020, a Paris court charged Vilus with belonging to a terrorist group and heading a group of ISIS fighters in “aggravated murder” between 2013 and 2015. Prosecutors told the court Vilus wanted to lead the squad of gunmen and suicide bombers which attacked Paris in November 2015, but were unable to prove this.“Focus: Tyler Vilus,” Centre d’analyse du terrorisme, June 2020, http://cat-int.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FOCUS-Tyler-Vilus.pdf. Although prosecutors were unable to confirm the extent of Vilus’s actions while in Syria, they relied on the 2015 footage where Vilus executed two prisoners as evidence of his crimes. Vilus was sentenced to 30 years in prison by a Paris court on July 7, 2020. The case marked France’s first successful prosecution over extremist crimes committed in Syria.“French IS jihadi sentenced for crimes in Syria,” Deutsche Welle, July 4, 2020, https://www.dw.com/en/french-is-jihadi-sentenced-for-crimes-in-syria/a-54045580#:~:text=A%20Paris%20court%20has%20sentenced,murder%22%20and%20terrorism%20in%20Syria.&text=He%20subsequently%20joined%20IS%20and,board%20a%20plane%20to%20Prague.