Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 4 - Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH)

Asa’ib Ahlal-Haq

Aka:  AAH; Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq min al-Iraq; Asaibal Haq; Asa’ib Ahl al-Haqq; League of the Righteous; Khazali Network; Khazali Special Group; Qazali Network; the People of the Cave; Khazali Special Groups Network; al-Tayaral-Risali; the Missionary Current.

Description:  Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) was designated as an FTO on January 10, 2020.  Led by Qaysal-Khazali, AAH was an Iran-backed, militant organization that remains ideologically aligned with Iran and loyal to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  The group seeks to promote Iran’s political and religious influence in Iraq, maintain Shia control over Iraq, and expel any remaining Western military forces from the country.

Activities:  AAH continued to be active in 2024, including through indirect fire attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq, typically using front names or proxy groups.

Strength:  AAH was estimated to have between 10,000 and 15,000 members.

Location/Area of Operation:  Iraq and Syria.

Funding and External Aid:  AAH receives funding, logistical support, training, and weapons from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force and Hizballah.  AAH also receives funding through illicit activities such as kidnapping for ransom, smuggling, and “taxing”/extortion of economic activities in areas where the group was dominant.

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