Abu Mustafa al-Sheibani is the founder of the Sheibani Network, an Iraqi militia supported by and ideologically aligned with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He later helped found another pro-IRGC Iraqi militia, Kata’ib Sayyid al Shuhada (KSS).Caleb Weiss, “Iraqi Shia Militia ‘Willing to Send Fighters to Yemen,’” Long War Journal, July 9, 2018, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/07/iraqi-shia-militia-willing-to-send-fighters-to-yemen.php. Sheibani is allegedly played a central role in the creation of Iranian-backed Shiite militias Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) and Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH) in the early 2000s.Phillip Smyth, “Hizballah Cavalcade: Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada: Another Supplier of Iraqi Shia Fighters in Syria,” Jihadology, June 3, 2013, https://jihadology.net/2013/06/03/hizballah-cavalcade-kataib-sayyid-al-shuhada-another-supplier-of-iraqi-shia-fighters-in-syria/. On January 9, 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department designated Sheibani “for threatening the peace and stability of Iraq and the Government of Iraq.”“Treasury Designates Individuals, Entity Fueling Iraqi Insurgency,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 9, 2008, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp759.aspx.

Sheibani has a long history of fighting alongside Iran. In the late 1980s, he reportedly fought against Saddam Hussein as a member of the IRGC-Quds Force—a special branch of the IRGC tasked with achieving sensitive missions beyond Iran’s borders.“Part 2: Pro-Iran Militias in Iraq,” Wilson Center, April 27, 2018, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/part-2-pro-iran-militias-iraq. Afterward, Sheibani joined the Badr Organization, becoming its leader in the late 1990s.Matthew Levitt and Philip Smyth, “Kataib al-Imam Ali: Portrait of an Iraqi Shiite Militant Group Fighting ISIS,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, January 5, 2015, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/kataib-al-imam-ali-portrait-of-an-iraqi-shiite-militant-group-fighting-isis. In 2003, Sheibani left the Badr Organization and founded the Sheibani Network.Michael Eisenstadt, Michael Knights, and Ahmed Ali, Iran’s Influence in Iraq, Washington Institute for Near East Policy, April 2011, page 23, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/PolicyFocus111.pdf. This move was directed by the IRGC, which began to directly support the new militia with weapons and funding.“Treasury Designates Individuals, Entity Fueling Iraqi Insurgency,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 8, 2008, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp759.aspx. The Sheibani Network was responsible for making and distributing explosively formed penetrator (EFP) roadside bombs and Katyusha rockets which were used to attack coalition and Iraqi forces.Michael Eisenstadt, Michael Knights, and Ahmed Ali, Iran’s Influence in Iraq, Washington Institute for Near East Policy, April 2011, page 23, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/PolicyFocus111.pdf; “Treasury Designates Individuals, Entity Fueling Iraqi Insurgency,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 8, 2008, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp759.aspx. Beginning in January 2005, the Sheibani Network directly supplied Jaish al-Mahdi, the Badr Organization, and AAH with advanced explosives from Iran.Marisa Cochrane Sullivan, “Iran's Hard Power Influence in Iraq,” AEI Iran Tracker, April 10, 2009, https://web.archive.org/web/20141116121150/http://www.irantracker.org/military-activities/irans-hard-power-influence-iraq; Marisa Cochrane, “The Fragmentation of the Sadrist Movement,” Iraq Report 12, Institute for the Study of War, January 2009, page 20-21, http://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/Iraq%20Report%2012%20Sadrist%20Movement%20Fragmentation.pdf. In the mid-2000s, Sheibani conducted an assassination campaign against local Iraqi police and government officials.“Treasury Designates Individuals, Entity Fueling Iraqi Insurgency,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 8, 2008, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp759.aspx. During this time, Sheibani and his fighters reportedly received weapons training and advice from Hezbollah.“Iraq: Return of Sheibani's killer squads,” United Press International, September 30, 2010, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/09/30/Iraq-Return-of-Sheibanis-killer-squads/36301285859253/?ur3=1.

Sheibani spent much of the 2000s in Tehran, Iran, but reportedly returned to Iraq in 2010 and joined AAH.“Treasury Designates Individuals, Entity Fueling Iraqi Insurgency,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 8, 2008, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp759.aspx; Michael Eisenstadt, Michael Knights, and Ahmed Ali, Iran’s Influence in Iraq, Washington Institute for Near East Policy, April 2011, page 10 and 23, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/PolicyFocus111.pdf; Michael Knights, “The Evolution of Iran’s Special Groups in Iraq,” CTC Sentinel, November 2010, page 13, https://ctc.usma.edu/the-evolution-of-irans-special-groups-in-iraq/. Sheibani reportedly formed KSS in May 2013, with the support of the Badr Organization and KH.Philip Smyth, Hizballah Cavalcade: Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada Emerges: Updates on the new Iraqi Shia Militia Supplying Fighters to Syria,” Jihadology, September 9, 2013, https://jihadology.net/2013/09/09/hizballah-cavalcade-kataib-sayyid-al-shuhada-emerges-updates-on-the-new-iraqi-shia-militia-supplying-fighters-to-syria/; Caleb Weiss, “Iraqi Shia Militia ‘Willing to Send Fighters to Yemen,’” Long War Journal, July 9, 2018, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/07/iraqi-shia-militia-willing-to-send-fighters-to-yemen.php; Phillip Smyth, “Hizballah Cavalcade: Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada: Another Supplier of Iraqi Shia Fighters in Syria,” Jihadology, June 3, 2013, https://jihadology.net/2013/09/09/hizballah-cavalcade-kataib-sayyid-al-shuhada-emerges-updates-on-the-new-iraqi-shia-militia-supplying-fighters-to-syria/.; “Part 2: Pro-Iran Militias in Iraq,” Wilson Center, April 27, 2018, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/part-2-pro-iran-militias-iraq. KSS claims to have sent 500 Iraqi militants to Syria in 2013, where it fought alongside the Syrian regime until at least 2015.Phillip Smyth, “Hizballah Cavalcade: Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada Emerges: Updates on the New Iraqi Shia Militia Supplying Fighters to Syria,” Jihadology, September 9, 2013, https://jihadology.net/2013/09/09/hizballah-cavalcade-kataib-sayyid-al-shuhada-emerges-updates-on-the-new-iraqi-shia-militia-supplying-fighters-to-syria/; “Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada,” Mapping Militant Organizations, Stanford University, last modified December 28, 2016, https://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/groups/view/629. In 2014, Sheibani stepped down as KSS leader to become an adviser to Iraqi Interior Minister Mohammed al-Ghabban, an official of the Badr Organization. Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, a.k.a. Abu Waala al Wa’eli, took over Sheibani’s role and continued to lead KSS as of January 2024.Michael Knights, “OFAC Designates Iraqi Militiamen (Part 2): KSS and Abu Ala al-Walai,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, November 17, 2023, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/ofac-designates-iraqi-militiamen-part-2-kss-and-abu-ala-al-walai; “Terrorist Designations of Iran-aligned Militia Groups,” U.S. Department of State, November 17, 2023, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designations-of-iran-aligned-militia-groups/.

KSS expanded its presence in Iraq after ISIS swept through the country in 2014.“Part 2: Pro-Iran Militias in Iraq,” Wilson Center, April 27, 2018, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/part-2-pro-iran-militias-iraq. The Iraqi militia currently operates as a member of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), designated as Brigade 14.Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, “Hashd Brigade Numbers Index,” Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi’s Blog, October 31, 2017, http://www.aymennjawad.org/2017/10/hashd-brigade-numbers-index. KSS works closely with other pro-IRGC PMF units and its commanders have met personally with former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.Caleb Weiss, “Iranian general at the forefront of the Tikrit offensive,” Long War Journal, March 5, 2015, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/03/iranian-general-at-the-forefront-of-the-tikrit-offensive.php. KSS receives funds from the Iraqi government as well as directly from Iran’s IRGC-Quds Force.“Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada,” Mapping Militant Organizations, last modified December 28, 2016, https://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/groups/view/629.

Upon the start of the Hamas-Israel war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, an umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) emerged. The grouping quickly launched dozens of attacks on U.S. forces and military bases across Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the United States’ stance on the Gaza crisis. The IRI is reportedly a coalition of all Iran-backed Shiite militias operating in Iraq. Among the groups included are Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba (HHN), KH, AAH, and KSS, as well as lesser-known militias such as Tashkil al-Waritheen.Hamdi Malik and Michael Knights, “Profile: The Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, October 21, 2023, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/profile-islamic-resistance-iraq. By January 2024, the militant coalition had carried out more than 100 attacks.Raya Jalabi and Felicia Schwartz, “US air strike kills commander of Iran-backed militia in Baghdad,” Financial Times, January 4, 2024, https://www.ft.com/content/6c70205d-e2b0-4f1a-bb19-835f7aa2b268.

Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob is a senior leader within the Taliban who previously served as head of the Taliban’s military commission, which oversaw the group’s military activities in Afghanistan. Yaqoob is the eldest son of Taliban founder and former leader Mullah Mohammed Omar, who died in 2013.Ben Farmer, “Taliban founder’s son appointed military chief of insurgents,” Telegraph (London), May 7, 2020, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/05/07/taliban-founders-son-appointed-military-chief-insurgents/; “Taliban confirms death of Mullah Omar, names new leader,” France 24, July 30, 2015, http://www.france24.com/en/20150730-taliban-confrms-death-omar-names-new-leader-afghanistan-mansour; “Taliban appoints Mullah Omar’s eldest son as military chief,” Afghanistan Mirror, May 11, 2020, https://www.afghanistanmirror.com/taliban-appoints-mullah-omars-eldest-son-as-military-chief/. On September 7, 2021, Yaqoob was appointed defense minister of the Taliban government.Douglas Schorzman, “Who Are the Taliban’s New Government Leaders? Here’s What We Know,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/article/taliban-leaders-afghanistan.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article.

The Taliban concealed Omar’s death for two years. In 2015, the Taliban confirmed Omar had died as early as April 2013. In July 2015, the Taliban named Omar’s deputy, Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, as the group’s new emir.“Taliban confirms death of Mullah Omar, names new leader,” France 24, July 30, 2015, http://www.france24.com/en/20150730-taliban-confrms-death-omar-names-new-leader-afghanistan-mansour. The appointment caused a rift in the Taliban as some members wanted Yaqoob to fill the leadership role and refused to follow Mansour. Yaqoob reportedly stormed out of a leadership council meeting when Mansour was selected over him, leading some other Taliban members to support him over Mansour.Jibran Ahmad, “New Afghan Taliban leader was compromise candidate: sources,” Reuters, May 25, 2016, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-taliban-meeting/new-afghan-taliban-leader-was-compromise-candidate-sources-idUSKCN0YG29L. Influential Pakistani clerics close with the Taliban mediated between the factions.Jibran Ahmad, “Senior Pakistan cleric offers to help Taliban heal leadership rift,” Reuters, August 6, 2015, https://www.reuters.com/article/afghanistan-taliban/senior-pakistan-cleric-offers-to-help-taliban-heal-leadership-rift-idUSKCN0QB1X520150806. That September, Yaqoob issued a statement that his father had died of natural causes in Afghanistan. He also called for unity in the Taliban.Jibran Ahmad, “Taliban’s Mullah Omar died of natural causes in Afghanistan, son says,” Reuters, September 14, 2016, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-taliban/talibans-mullah-omar-died-of-natural-causes-in-afghanistan-son-says-idUSKCN0RE0RC20150914. Members of Yaqoob’s family reportedly sought to elevate him to his father’s leadership role but acquiesced to Mansour’s appointment in exchange for benefits. In April 2016, Yaqoob was appointed head of the Taliban’s military commission for 15 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces and appointed to the Taliban’s Rahbari Shura (leadership council).Jibran Ahmad, “Son of Afghan Taliban founder given top council post,” Reuters, April 4, 2016, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-taliban-mansour/son-of-afghan-taliban-founder-given-top-council-post-idUSKCN0X121E.

Mansour subsequently died in a U.S. airstrike in May 2016. Yaqoob was reportedly considered as his replacement.Jibran Ahmad, “Taliban’s Haqqani may be even more deadly foe than Mansour,” Reuters, May 22, 2016, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-afghanistan-taliban-successor/talibans-haqqani-may-be-even-more-deadly-foe-than-mansour-idUSKCN0YD0H6; Mujib Mashal and Taimoor Shah, “Taliban’s New Leader, More Scholar Than Fighter, Is Slow to Impose Himself,” New York Times, July 11, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/12/world/asia/taliban-afghanistan-pakistan-mawlawi-haibatullah-akhundzada.html?ref=asia&smid=tw-nytimesworld&smtyp=cur. Fractures reportedly developed within the Taliban between supporters of Yaqoob and supporters of Haqqani Network leader Sirajuddin Haqqani, who was also vying for the leadership role.James Mackenzie, “Afghan governor sees more fighting after Taliban leader killed,” Reuters, May 23, 2016, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-taliban-governor/afghan-governor-sees-more-fighting-after-taliban-leader-killed-idUSKCN0YE22R. The Taliban instead chose Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada as Mansour’s successor.Mujib Mashal and Taimoor Shah, “Taliban’s New Leader, More Scholar Than Fighter, Is Slow to Impose Himself,” New York Times, July 11, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/12/world/asia/taliban-afghanistan-pakistan-mawlawi-haibatullah-akhundzada.html?ref=asia&smid=tw-nytimesworld&smtyp=cur. Akhundzada was reportedly a compromise choice proposed by Yaqoob. Taliban sources told Reuters there were concerns about appointing Haqqani because of his fugitive status in the United States, while Yaqoob admitted he was too young and inexperienced on the battlefield for the top role.Jibran Ahmad, “New Afghan Taliban leader was compromise candidate: sources,” Reuters, May 25, 2016, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-taliban-meeting/new-afghan-taliban-leader-was-compromise-candidate-sources-idUSKCN0YG29L. Yaqoob and Haqqani were both appointed as Akhundzada’s deputies.“Govt Again Calls On Taliban to Joint Peace Process,” TOLO News, May 26, 2016, https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/govt-again-calls-taliban-joint-peace-process.

In May 2020, the Taliban announced Yaqoob’s appointment as head of the group’s military commission. The appointment reunited the commission under a single leadership after it had been split into two divisions following Mansour’s death.Ben Farmer, “Taliban founder’s son appointed military chief of insurgents,” Telegraph (London), May 7, 2020, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/05/07/taliban-founders-son-appointed-military-chief-insurgents/; “Taliban confirms death of Mullah Omar, names new leader,” France 24, July 30, 2015, http://www.france24.com/en/20150730-taliban-confrms-death-omar-names-new-leader-afghanistan-mansour; “Taliban appoints Mullah Omar’s eldest son as military chief,” Afghanistan Mirror, May 11, 2020, https://www.afghanistanmirror.com/taliban-appoints-mullah-omars-eldest-son-as-military-chief/.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, after which the Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/.

A month following the Taliban’s offensive, on September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Yaqoob was named the defense minister of the acting government. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87; Douglas Schorzman, “Who Are the Taliban’s New Government Leaders? Here’s What We Know,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/article/taliban-leaders-afghanistan.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article.

Abu Omar al-Khorasani, also known as Zia ul-Haq, is an Afghan militant and reportedly ISIS’s leader in South Asia. He is a former leader of the terror group’s Khorasan Province (ISIS-K). Khorasani was arrested in Afghanistan in May 2020.“Afghanistan arrests regional Islamic State leader,” Reuters, May 11, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-islamicstate/afghanistan-arrests-regional-islamic-state-leader-idUSKBN22N1XQ?il=0.

Jihadists in Afghanistan and Pakistan pledged allegiance to ISIS in November 2014. ISIS accepted the pledge in January 2015, officially forming Wilayat Khorasan under the leadership of former Pakistani Taliban commander Hafiz Said Khan.“Islamic State moves in on al-Qaeda turf,” BBC News, June 25, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-31064300. Khorasani initially acted a spokesperson for the group, giving statements to news media on ISIS’s activities as well as commentary on the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. Khorasani described former U.S. President Barack Obama as moderate infidel with at least a little brain compared with U.S. President Donald Trump, a “complete maniac” whose hatred of Muslims would boost ISIS recruitment.Ahmad Sultan, “Islamic State say they have captured Afghanistan’s Tora Bora caves,” Reuters, June 15, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-islamic-state/islamic-state-say-they-have-captured-afghanistans-tora-bora-caves-idUSKBN1960Z6; Ahmad Sultan and Omar Fahmy, “Jihadists say Trump victory a rallying call for new recruits,” Reuters, November 14, 2016, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-jihadists/jihadists-say-trump-victory-a-rallying-call-for-new-recruits-idUSKBN1390FO.

ISIS-K’s leadership council appointed Khorasani the group’s fourth emir following the July 14, 2018, death of the group’s previous leader, Abu Sa’id Bajauri.“Letter dated 15 January 2019 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations, January 15, 2019, https://www.un.org/sc/ctc/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/N1846950_EN.pdf. According to a January 2019 report to the U.N. Security Council, ISIS-K maintained close relations with ISIS core in Syria and Iraq.“Letter dated 15 January 2019 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations, January 15, 2019, https://www.un.org/sc/ctc/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/N1846950_EN.pdf. In April 2019, an ISIS core delegation demoted Khorasani during a visit to ISIS-K. According to a U.N. investigation, Khorasani was replaced because of his “poor performance” related to ISIS’s “setbacks” in Afghanistan’s Nanghahar province in the second half of 2018.“Letter dated 15 July 2019 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations, July 15, 2019, https://undocs.org/S/2019/570. Khorasani was replaced by Mawlawi Abdullah, a.k.a. Mawlawi Aslam Farooqi, who was previously in charge of operations in the Khyber Agency.“Letter dated 15 July 2019 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations, July 15, 2019, https://undocs.org/S/2019/570. ISIS restructured the Khorasan Province in May 2019 when it announced the creation of separate Pakistani and Indian provinces.Ayaz Gul, “Islamic State Announces ‘Pakistan Province,’” Voice of America, May 15, 2019, https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/islamic-state-announces-pakistan-province. The United States designated ISIS-K in January 2016.“Foreign Terrorist Organization Designation of ISIL – Khorasan (ISIL-K),” U.S. Department of State, January 14, 2016, https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/01/251237.htm. The U.N. Security Council designated the ISIS-K in May 2019.“The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan (ISIL - K),” United Nations, May 14, 2019, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/islamic-state-iraq-and-levant-khorasan-isil-k.

Afghan forces arrested Farooqi in April 2020 in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.“‘Key’ Daesh Leaders Arrested in Kabul: NDS,” TOLO News, May 11, 2020, https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/key-daesh-leaders-arrested-kabul-nds. On May 11, 2020, Afghanistan’s General Directorate of National Security (NDS) and Interior Ministry announced that Khorasani had been arrested in Kabul. The NDS referred to Khorasani as ISIS’s leader in South Asia, though it is unclear when he rose to that position after his 2019 demotion. Khorasani was arrested alongside ISIS South Asia’s public relations officer and intelligence chief.“Afghanistan arrests regional Islamic State leader,” Reuters, May 11, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-islamicstate/afghanistan-arrests-regional-islamic-state-leader-idUSKBN22N1XQ?il=0.

Stanislav Anatolyevich Vorobyev is a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the U.S. Department of State and is the founder and one of the leaders of the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization responsible for providing paramilitary-style training to neo-Nazis and white supremacists.“Designation of the Russian Imperial Movement,” U.S. Department of State, April 6, 2020, https://www.state.gov/designation-of-the-russian-imperial-movement/.

Vorobyev reportedly founded the RIM in 2002.Bill Gertz, “State Department targets Russian group for links to U.S. white nationalists,” Washington Times, April 6, 2020, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/apr/6/state-department-targets-russian-group-links-us-wh/. RIM seeks to create a “mono-ethnic state” led by a “Russian autocratic monarchy,” preferably descended from the Romanov dynasty that led Russia before the 1917 revolution.J. Lester Feder, Edgar Mannheimer, Jane Lytvynenko, “These Swedish Nazis Trained In Russia Before Bombing A Center For Asylum Seekers,” BuzzFeed News, July 22, 2017, https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/lesterfeder/these-swedish-nazis-trained-in-russia#.jmj8rBGYv. Although the group is not sponsored by the Russian state, RIM has allegedly recruited and trained Russian fighters for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.Humeyra Pamuk, “U.S. designates Russian ultra-nationalist group as terrorist organization,” Reuters, April 6, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-russia-designation/u-s-designates-russian-nationalist-group-as-terrorist-organization-u-s-official-idUSKBN21O1UQ.; Charlie Savage, Adam Goldman and Eric Schmitt, “U.S. Will Give Terrorist Label to White Supremacist Group for First Time,” New York Times, April 6, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/us/politics/terrorist-label-white-supremacy-Russian-Imperial-Movement.html. RIM’s training network includes two facilities in St. Petersburg, one called Partizan, which are allegedly used to train people for “global chaos” through training in woodland and urban assault, tactical weapons, and hand-to-hand combat training.“United States Designates Russian Imperial Movement and Leaders as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of State, April 7, 2020, https://www.state.gov/united-states-designates-russian-imperial-movement-and-leaders-as-global-terrorists/.

Additionally, the RIM has supported the efforts of neo-Nazi organizations in Scandinavia.“U.S. Will Give Terrorist Label to White Supremacist Group for First Time,” New York Times, April 6, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/us/politics/terrorist-label-white-supremacy-Russian-Imperial-Movement.html. In late 2016 and early 2017, three members of the extreme right-wing Nordic Resistance Movement carried out a series of bombings in Sweden. Two of the perpetrators, Viktor Melin and Anton Thulin, had previously attended Partizan and Swedish officials believe it aided in their radicalization.J. Lester Feder, Edgar Mannheimer, Jane Lytvynenko, “These Swedish Nazis Trained In Russia Before Bombing A Center For Asylum Seekers,” BuzzFeed News, July 22, 2017, https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/lesterfeder/these-swedish-nazis-trained-in-russia#.jmj8rBGYv.

The group’s official website, Rusimperia.info, is now defunct, however, another website Rusimperia.org, features similar posts, calling on Russians to organize and march together to liberate Russia for the restoration of the monarchy. One such event has been planned for November, 4, 2020.“Russian Empire,” Russian Empire Independent Russian News, https://rusimperia.org/.; “RUSSIAN MARCH NOVEMBER 4 !!! COLLECTION AT M. OCTOBER FIELD !!!,” Russian Empire Independent Russian News, https://russkiymarsh.org/.

On April 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Stated designated Vorobyev as an SDGT for being one of the RIM’s leaders and for providing training for acts of terrorism that threaten the national security and foreign policy of the United States. The designation is the first time the U.S. government has listed a white supremacist group.“United States Designates Russian Imperial Movement and Leaders as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of State, April 7, 2020, https://www.state.gov/united-states-designates-russian-imperial-movement-and-leaders-as-global-terrorists/.

Mohammad Hejazi was the internationally designated deputy commander of the Quds Force, the expeditionary arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Hejazi began serving in the role in January 2020, after the Quds Force’s previous deputy commander, Esmail Ghaani, replaced former Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike.David Daoud, “Profile of Deputy Commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force Mohammad Hejazi,” United Against Nuclear Iran, April 1, 2020, https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/blog/profile-of-deputy-commander-of-irgcs-quds-force-mohammad-hejazi. During the 1990s and early 2000s, Hejazi led Iran’s Basij militia and oversaw violent crackdowns on protesters while transforming the Basij into a political power in Iran.Ali Alfoneh, “Who Is Mohammad Hossein-Zadeh Hejazi, the New Deputy Commander of Iran’s Qods Force?,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, January 22, 2020, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/who-is-mohammad-hossein-zadeh-hejazi-the-new-deputy-commander-of-irans-qods. Hejazi died of heart disease in April 2021.“High-ranking Iranian general dies of heart disease at 65,” Associated Press, April 19, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/iran-middle-east-lebanon-syria-iraq-1e44c01fedd6b62b2256666a2ade83dc.

Hejazi joined the IRGC shortly after its creation following the start of Iran’s 1979 revolution. As a deputy commander during the Iran-Iraq War, Hejazi worked to recruit and mobilize Basij forces.David Daoud, “Profile of Deputy Commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force Mohammad Hejazi,” United Against Nuclear Iran, April 1, 2020, https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/blog/profile-of-deputy-commander-of-irgcs-quds-force-mohammad-hejazi. Hejazi was commissioned as an officer after the war and became deputy commander of the Basij.Muhammid Sahimi, “The IRGC Strategic Brain Trust | Part 2: Ahmadian, Hejazi, and Jafari,” Frontline, August 11, 2012, https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2012/08/the-irgc-strategic-brain-trust-part-2-ahmadian-hejazi-and-jafari.html. In the 1990s, Hejazi represented the IRGC in Lebanon. It is suspected Hejazi played a role in Hezbollah’s bombing of the AMIA Jewish center in Bueno Aires, Argentina, on July 18, 1994.David Daoud, “Profile of Deputy Commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force Mohammad Hejazi,” United Against Nuclear Iran, April 1, 2020, https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/blog/profile-of-deputy-commander-of-irgcs-quds-force-mohammad-hejazi; Yehudit Barsky, “Terrorism Briefing: Hezbollah The ‘Party of God,’” American Jewish Committee, May 2003, https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184824/http://www.ajc.org/atf/cf/%7B42D75369-D582-4380-8395-D25925B85EAF%7D/Hizballah_052003.pdf. Then serving as intelligence and security adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Hejazi allegedly attended a planning meeting with Khamenei, Iranian President ‘Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Intelligence Minister Ali Fallahian, and Foreign Affairs Minister ‘Ali Akbar Velayati.Yehudit Barsky, “Terrorism Briefing: Hezbollah The ‘Party of God,’” American Jewish Committee, May 2003, https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184824/http://www.ajc.org/atf/cf/%7B42D75369-D582-4380-8395-D25925B85EAF%7D/Hizballah_052003.pdf; Ze’ev Schiff, “How Iran Planned the Buenos Aires Blast,” Haaretz (Tel Aviv), March 18, 2003, https://www.haaretz.com/1.4686654.

On March 12, 1998, Khamenei appointed Hejazi as head of the Basij militia and tasked Hejazi with forming a 20-million-man army.“Leader Appoints New Commander of Basij Force,” Tehran Times, March 14, 1998, https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/8537/Leader-Appoints-New-Commander-of-Basij-Force. Hejazi transformed the Basij into an integral part of Iran’s internal security apparatus. Under Hejazi’s leadership, the Basij supported the creation of Ansar-e Hezbollah and other vigilante groups loyal to the regime. In July 1999, Hejazi commanded the Basij’s Sarallah Base and led Sarallah fighters and Ansar-e Hezbollah in killing dozens of student protesters following the closure of the reformist newspaper Salam.Ali Alfoneh, “Who Is Mohammad Hossein-Zadeh Hejazi, the New Deputy Commander of Iran’s Qods Force?,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, January 22, 2020, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/who-is-mohammad-hossein-zadeh-hejazi-the-new-deputy-commander-of-irans-qods.

The Basij became politically influential under Hejazi’s command. In 2003, Hejazi declared the Basij members had great “political insight” and would encourage others to vote in upcoming elections.Mehr News Agency, “Basijis to Exhibit Political Insight During Election,” Tehran Times, November 24, 2003, https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/108220/Basijis-to-Exhibit-Political-Insight-During-Election. In 2005, Khamenei allegedly ordered the commanders of the IRGC to instruct their soldiers to vote for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in that year’s presidential elections. In 2009, Hejazi reportedly oversaw the suppression of protesters angry over Ahmadinejad’s reelection.David Daoud, “Profile of Deputy Commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force Mohammad Hejazi,” United Against Nuclear Iran, April 1, 2020, https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/blog/profile-of-deputy-commander-of-irgcs-quds-force-mohammad-hejazi. That June, Hejazi forbade Iran’s Ministry of Health from disclosing the medical records of anybody injured during the protests. The European Union viewed that letter as evidence of a coverup and sanctioned Hejazi in 2011, accusing the Sarallah Corps of playing a “central role” in putting down the protests.“COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) No 1002/2011 of 10 October 2011 implementing Article 12(1) of Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran,” Official Journal of the European Union, October 12, 2011, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:267:0001:0006:EN:PDF#page=3.

Hejazi led the Basij until May 2008, when he was promoted to deputy commander of the IRGC.“Leader appoints new IRGC deputy commander,” Tehran Times, May 24, 2008, https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/169333/Leader-appoints-new-IRGC-deputy-commander. He served in that role until he was appointed deputy commander of Armed Forces General Staff in October 2009.Ali Alfoneh, “Who Is Mohammad Hossein-Zadeh Hejazi, the New Deputy Commander of Iran’s Qods Force?,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, January 22, 2020, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/who-is-mohammad-hossein-zadeh-hejazi-the-new-deputy-commander-of-irans-qods. In August 2019, the Israel Defense Forces alleged Hejazi was in Lebanon overseeing Hezbollah’s development of precision guided missiles.“Hezbollah’s Precision Guided Missile Project,” Israel Defense Forces, August 2019, https://www.idf.il/en/minisites/hezbollah/hezbollahs-precision-guided-missile-project/; Maryam Sinaiee, “New Vice-Commander Of Iran's Qods Force Signifies Khamenei’s Message Of ‘Fighters Without Borders,’” Radio Farda, January 20, 2020, https://en.radiofarda.com/a/new-vice-commander-of-iran-s-qods-signifies-khamenei-message-of-fighters-without-borders-/30387595.html.

On January 3, 2020, a U.S. airstrike in Iraq killed Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani. IRGC commander Hossein Salami promoted Quds Force deputy commander Ismail Ghaani to the position of commander of the Quds Force.Sune Engel Rasmussen, “Iran Appoints Commander to Succeed General Killed in Air Strike,” Wall Street Journal, January 3, 2020, https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-appoints-commander-to-succeed-general-killed-in-air-strike-11578050590. On January 20, Salami promoted Hejazi to the role of deputy commander of the Quds Force.Ali Alfoneh, “Who Is Mohammad Hossein-Zadeh Hejazi, the New Deputy Commander of Iran’s Qods Force?,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, January 22, 2020, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/who-is-mohammad-hossein-zadeh-hejazi-the-new-deputy-commander-of-irans-qods. Following Soleimani’s death, Khamenei referred to the Quds Force as “fighters without borders.”Parisa Hafezi, “Iran’s Khamenei stands by Guards after unrest over downed plane,” Reuters, January 17, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-khamenei/irans-khamenei-stands-by-guards-after-unrest-over-downed-plane-idUSKBN1ZG0O8. Radio Farda concluded that Hejazi’s assignment to the Quds Force represented Khamenei’s newly “openly expressed strategy of keeping the war with the United States and Israel outside Iranian borders.”Maryam Sinaiee, “New Vice-Commander Of Iran's Qods Force Signifies Khamenei’s Message Of ‘Fighters Without Borders,’” Radio Farda, January 20, 2020, https://en.radiofarda.com/a/new-vice-commander-of-iran-s-qods-signifies-khamenei-message-of-fighters-without-borders-/30387595.html.

On April 18, 2021, the IRGC announced Hejazi had died of heart disease at the age of 65. The IRGC gave no further details of his death.“High-ranking Iranian general dies of heart disease at 65,” Associated Press, April 19, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/iran-middle-east-lebanon-syria-iraq-1e44c01fedd6b62b2256666a2ade83dc. According to the IRGC, Hejazi was actively fighting against ISIS and “Takfiri terrorists,” implying he was involved in operations in Iraq and Syria.“Top Iranian General Hejazi Dies At 65,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, April 19, 2021, https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-general-hejazi-dies-/31210721.html.

Denis Valiullovich Gariyev is a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the U.S. Department of State and the Imperial Legion, the paramilitary arm of the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM).“United States Designates Russian Imperial Movement and Leaders as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of State, April 7, 2020, https://www.state.gov/united-states-designates-russian-imperial-movement-and-leaders-as-global-terrorists/. The RIM is a U.S.-designated terrorist organization responsible for providing paramilitary-style training to neo-Nazis and white supremacists.“Designation of the Russian Imperial Movement,” U.S. Department of State, April 6, 2020, https://www.state.gov/designation-of-the-russian-imperial-movement/.

The RIM seeks to create a “mono-ethnic state” led by a “Russian autocratic monarchy,” preferably descended from the Romanov dynasty that led Russia before the 1917 revolution.Lester Feder, Edgar Mannheimer, Jane Lytvynenko, “These Swedish Nazis Trained In Russia Before Bombing A Center For Asylum Seekers,” BuzzFeed News, July 22, 2017, https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/lesterfeder/these-swedish-nazis-trained-in-russia#.jmj8rBGYv. Although the group is not sponsored by the Russian state, the RIM has allegedly recruited and trained Russian fighters for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.Humeyra Pamuk, “U.S. designates Russian ultra-nationalist group as terrorist organization,” Reuters, April 6, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-russia-designation/u-s-designates-russian-nationalist-group-as-terrorist-organization-u-s-official-idUSKBN21O1UQ.; Charlie Savage, Adam Goldman and Eric Schmitt, “U.S. Will Give Terrorist Label to White Supremacist Group for First Time,” New York Times, April 6, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/us/politics/terrorist-label-white-supremacy-Russian-Imperial-Movement.html. The RIM’s training network includes two facilities in St. Petersburg, one called Partizan, which are allegedly used to prepare people for “global chaos” through training in woodland and urban assault, tactical weapons, and hand-to-hand combat training.“United States Designates Russian Imperial Movement and Leaders as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of State, April 7, 2020, https://www.state.gov/united-states-designates-russian-imperial-movement-and-leaders-as-global-terrorists/.

Additionally, the RIM has supported the efforts of neo-Nazi organizations in Scandinavia.“U.S. Will Give Terrorist Label to White Supremacist Group for First Time,” New York Times, April 6, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/us/politics/terrorist-label-white-supremacy-Russian-Imperial-Movement.html. In late 2016 and early 2017, three members of the extreme right-wing Nordic Resistance Movement carried out a series of bombings in Sweden. Two of the perpetrators, Viktor Melin and Anton Thulin, had previously attended Partizan and Swedish officials believe it aided in their radicalization.J. Lester Feder, Edgar Mannheimer, Jane Lytvynenko, “These Swedish Nazis Trained In Russia Before Bombing A Center For Asylum Seekers,” BuzzFeed News, July 22, 2017, https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/lesterfeder/these-swedish-nazis-trained-in-russia#.jmj8rBGYv.

The RIM’s official website, Rusimperia.info, is now defunct, however, another website Rusimperia.org, features similar posts, calling on Russians to organize and march together to liberate Russia for the restoration of the monarchy. One such event has been planned for November, 4, 2020.“Russian Empire,” Russian Empire Independent Russian News, https://rusimperia.org/.; “RUSSIAN MARCH NOVEMBER 4 !!! COLLECTION AT M. OCTOBER FIELD !!!,” Russian Empire Independent Russian News, https://russkiymarsh.org/.

In 2009, Gariyev allegedly became disenchanted with political activism and redirected his attention towards helping Russian men legally procure and properly handle guns. Shortly afterwards, he began to conduct gun training courses for civilians. In 2014, war broke out in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatist forces and the Ukrainian military, heightening ethnic divisions among Ukrainians and Russians.“Conflict in Ukraine,” Council on Foreign Relations, https://www.cfr.org/interactive/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/conflict-ukraine. At the onset of the crisis, Gariyev started to train Russian volunteers to fight alongside the Imperial Legion, the paramilitary arm of the RIM. According to Gariyev, Ukraine is a “pseudo-nation invented by the Soviets” and the Ukrainian ethnic group is a fabricated distinction. In 2015, Gariyev and others in Imperial Legion, stopped traveling to fight in Ukraine, considering the conflict to be encumbered by the interests of Russia, Ukraine and the West.Andrew Roth, “A right-wing militia trains Russians to fight the next war — with or without Putin,” Washington Post, January 2, 2017,  https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/a-right-wing-militia-trains-russians-to-fight-the-next-war--with-or-without-putin/2017/01/02/f06b5ce8-b71e-11e6-939c-91749443c5e5_story.html.

On April 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Stated designated Gariyev as an SDGT for being one of the RIM’s leaders and for providing training for acts of terrorism that threaten the national security and foreign policy of the United States. The designation is the first time the U.S. government has listed a white supremacist group.“United States Designates Russian Imperial Movement and Leaders as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of State, April 7, 2020, https://www.state.gov/united-states-designates-russian-imperial-movement-and-leaders-as-global-terrorists/.

Shaykh ‘Adnan al-Hamidawi is a Specially Designated National by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the special operations commander of Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH), an Iranian-sponsored, Shiite militia operating in Iraq with ancillary operations throughout Syria.“Treasury Designates Vast Network of IRGC-QF Officials and Front Companies in Iraq, Iran,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm957.

It is suspected that in 2019, al-Hamidawi coordinated ways in which to intimidate Iraqi politicians who did not support the removal of U.S. forces from Iraq.“Treasury Designates Vast Network of IRGC-QF Officials and Front Companies in Iraq, Iran,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm957. Additionally, it is alleged that al-Hamidawi planned attacks against U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq.Jeff Seldin, “US Increases ‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran,” Voice of America, March 26, 2020, https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/voa-news-iran/us-increases-maximum-pressure-iran.

On March 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated al-Hamidawi as a specially designated national for providing support to or acting on behalf of KH.“Treasury Designates Vast Network of IRGC-QF Officials and Front Companies in Iraq, Iran,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm957.

Sayyed Yaser Musavir is a Specially Designated National by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and a senior official of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ elite Quds Force (IRGC-QF), a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization responsible for Iran’s proxy conflicts in the Middle East. The IRGC-QF has played an active role in providing training and weapons to extremist groups including Iraqi insurgents, Lebanese Hezbollah, and others.“Treasury Designates Vast Network of IRGC-QF Officials and Front Companies in Iraq, Iran,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm957.

It is reported that Musavir was deployed to Iraq sometime in 2014 to support the IRGC-QF and its operations with Iraqi militia officials associated with the terrorist militia groups Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH) and Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH). In 2018, on behalf of senior IRGC-QF officials, Musavir coordinated and promoted various propaganda efforts undertaken by AAH. AAH’s propaganda methods have previously included setting up social service programs and religious schools called the “Seal of the Apostles,” throughout Iraq. These schools and social service programs served as recruitment facilities and indoctrination tactics.Liz Sly, “Iranian-backed militant group in Iraq is recasting itself as a political player,” Washington Post, February 18, 2013, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iranian-backed-militant-group-in-iraq-is-recasting-itself-as-a-political-player/2013/02/18/b0154204-77bb-11e2-b102-948929030e64_story.html. Furthermore, in 2019, Musavir was behind the coordination of selling Iranian petroleum products to the Syrian regime.“Treasury Designates Vast Network of IRGC-QF Officials and Front Companies in Iraq, Iran,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm957.

On March 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Musavir as a specially designated national for providing support to or acting on behalf of the IRGC-QF.“Treasury Designates Vast Network of IRGC-QF Officials and Front Companies in Iraq, Iran,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm957.

Mehdi Ghasemzadeh is a Specially Designated National by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and an official of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ elite Quds Force (IRGC-QF), a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization responsible for Iran’s proxy conflicts in the Middle East. The IRGC-QF has played an active role in providing training and weapons to extremist groups including Iraqi insurgents, Lebanese Hezbollah, and others.“Treasury Designates Vast Network of IRGC-QF Officials and Front Companies in Iraq, Iran,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm957.

On March 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Ghasemzadeh as a specially designated national for providing support to or acting on behalf of the IRGC-QF.“Treasury Designates Vast Network of IRGC-QF Officials and Front Companies in Iraq, Iran,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm957.

Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Ali Abdullah Ayoub is a senior member of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and is responsible for perpetuating violence in northern Syria. On March 17, 2020, the U.S. Department of State designated Ayoub as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.“The State Department Imposes Sanctions on Individual Responsible for the Violence in Northern Syria,” U.S. Department of State, March 17, 2020, https://www.state.gov/the-state-department-imposes-sanctions-on-individual-responsible-for-the-violence-in-northern-syria/. His military actions—largely by allowing continued airstrikes and stoking on-going combat between regime forces and the opposition—in preventing a ceasefire in northern Syria have significantly contributed to the ongoing humanitarian crisis throughout the country.“The State Department Imposes Sanctions on Individual Responsible for the Violence in Northern Syria,” U.S. Department of State, March 17, 2020, https://www.state.gov/the-state-department-imposes-sanctions-on-individual-responsible-for-the-violence-in-northern-syria/.

Ayoub comes from the Alawite minority, a sect of Shiite Islam, which is concentrated in the northwestern provinces of Syria.Albert Aji And Sarah El Deeb, “Syrian general: Russian strikes helping ground offensive,” October 8, 2015, https://www.businessinsider.com/ap-syrian-general-russian-strikes-helping-ground-offensive-2015-10. From 2012 to 2018, Ayoub served as the Syrian army’s chief of staff.“Al Assad promotes top army commander in cabinet reshuffle,” The National, January 2, 2018, https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/al-assad-promotes-top-army-commander-in-cabinet-reshuffle-1.692303. He was appointed by President Bashar al-Assad as the minister of defense on January 2, 2018.“Al Assad promotes top army commander in cabinet reshuffle,” The National, January 2, 2018, https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/al-assad-promotes-top-army-commander-in-cabinet-reshuffle-1.692303. Ayoub’s appointment broke from tradition as the defense minister has usually been a Sunni Muslim. Assad’s regime has been described as using violence, widespread repression, and sectarian minority power to maintain its rule. The Syrian population is majority Sunni Muslim, whereas senior officials throughout the government and the military are a part of the Alawite minority.Michel Duclos and Ambassador Robert S. Ford, “Assad's Thinking: How Did Syria Get Here, and Where Does the Regime Want to Go Now?,” Washington Institute, June 21, 2019, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/assads-thinking-how-did-syria-get-here-and-where-does-the-regime-want-to-go. According to Ambassador Robert S. Ford, the former U.S. ambassador to Syria from 2011 to 2014, the regime continues to eliminate opposition groups and undertakes disastrous missions to reclaim territory without considering the economic and social repercussions that will affect Syria’s public.Michel Duclos and Ambassador Robert S. Ford, “Assad's Thinking: How Did Syria Get Here, and Where Does the Regime Want to Go Now?,” Washington Institute, June 21, 2019, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/assads-thinking-how-did-syria-get-here-and-where-does-the-regime-want-to-go. Additionally, Adib Aliwi, a former Syrian military officer, claims that Ayoub’s appointment was strategic as he does not demonstrate significant military prowess other than the fact that “he obeys the orders of Bashar blindly and is ready to kill the people.”“Al Assad promotes top army commander in cabinet reshuffle,” The National, January 2, 2018, https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/al-assad-promotes-top-army-commander-in-cabinet-reshuffle-1.692303.

The Syrian city of Idlib falls within a de-escalation zone laid out in a deal between Turkey and Russia in September of 2018. Overall, the de-escalation zone includes four general areas that are mainly controlled by the opposition. Over 2.5 million people are believed to reside in these zones.“Syria's 'de-escalation zones' explained,” Al Jazeera, July 4, 2017, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/syria-de-escalation-zones-explained-170506050208636.html; Zulfiqar Ali, “Syria: Who's in control of Idlib?,” BBC News, February 18, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-45401474. The deal focused specifically on the Idlib region and outlined that the Assad-backed Russian troops and opposition-backed Turkish troops would conduct coordinated patrols to alleviate large-scale combat to restore peace in the area.Jim Heintz and Sarah El Deeb, “Turkey, Russia agree on demilitarized zone in Syria’s Idlib,” Associated Press, September 17, 2018, https://apnews.com/88c6ac9ace264d59accd6a0bec2da229/Turkey,-Russia-agree-on-demilitarized-zone-in-Syria's-Idlib. However, Assad’s regime forces have not observed the terms of the agreement, and have continued to undermine the ceasefire through carrying out uninhibited attacks within the zone.Michael Hernandez, “US slaps sanctions on Syrian defense minister,” Anadolu Agency, March 17, 2020, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-slaps-sanctions-on-syrian-defense-minister/1769542. These attacks have destroyed schools, hospitals, and have killed almost a million civilians.“The State Department Imposes Sanctions on Individual Responsible for the Violence in Northern Syria,” U.S. Department of State, March 17, 2020, https://www.state.gov/the-state-department-imposes-sanctions-on-individual-responsible-for-the-violence-in-northern-syria/.

According to earlier reports in 2015, Ayoub who was then the Syrian army’s chief of staff, claimed that Russia’s airstrikes were necessary to eliminate “terrorist groups”—which includes ISIS, who then had strongholds in Raqqa and Aleppo, and the Nusra Front, who maintain a strong presence in Idlib—and liberate “the areas and towns that suffered from their scourge and crimes.”Albert Aji And Sarah El Deeb, “Syrian general: Russian strikes helping ground offensive,” October 8, 2015, https://www.businessinsider.com/ap-syrian-general-russian-strikes-helping-ground-offensive-2015-10.

Due to Ayoub’s role in perpetuating Syria’s civil war, in February 2012, a panel of United Nations investigators accused Ayoub, as well as many others in Assad’s regime of “crimes against humanity.”Julian Borger and Peter Beaumont, “Syrian regime accused of crimes against humanity by UN,” Guardian, February 23, 2012, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/feb/23/syrian-regime-crimes-humanity-un. According to the accompanying report, the investigators found evidence that “army snipers and Shabbiha gunmen [from pro-Assad militias] posted at strategic points terrorised the population, targeting and killing small children, women and other unarmed civilians. Fragmentation mortar bombs were also fired into densely populated neighbourhoods.”Julian Borger and Peter Beaumont, “Syrian regime accused of crimes against humanity by UN,” Guardian, February 23, 2012, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/feb/23/syrian-regime-crimes-humanity-un.

Ayoub was sanctioned by the United Kingdom on November 15, 2011. Additionally, in 2018, the European Union designated Ayoub on the European Union Consolidated Financial Sanctions List.“European Union Consolidated Financial Sanctions List,” European Commission Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, March 11, 2020, https://data.europa.eu/euodp/en/data/dataset/consolidated-list-of-persons-groups-and-entities-subject-to-eu-financial-sanctions/resource/3a1d5dd6-244e-4118-82d3-db3be0554112. On March 17, 2020, the U.S. Department of State designated Ayoub under Executive Order 13894 for the “the obstruction, disruption, or prevention of a ceasefire in northern Syria.”“Notice of Department of State Sanctions Actions on March 17, 2020 Pursuant to Executive Order 13894 of October 14, 2019, Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Syria,” U.S. Department of State, June 25, 2020, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/06/25/2020-13722/notice-of-department-of-state-sanctions-actions-on-march-17-2020-pursuant-to-executive-order-13894.