Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 4 - Kata’ib Hizballah (KH)

Kata’ib Hizballah

Aka:  Hizballah Brigades; Hizballah Brigades in Iraq; Hizballah Brigades-Iraq; Kata’ib Hezbollah; Khata’ib Hezbollah; Khata’ib Hizballah; Khattab Hizballah; Hizballah Brigades-Iraq of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq; Islamic Resistance in Iraq; Kata’ib Hizballah Fi al-Iraq; Katibat Abu Fathel al-A’abas; Katibat ZaydEbinAli; Katibut Karbalah.

Description:  KH was designated as an FTO on July 2, 2009.  Formed in 2006 as an anti-Western Shia group, the group conducts attacks against U.S., Israeli, Iraqi, and Defeat-ISIS Coalition targets in Iraq and threatens the lives of Iraqi politicians and civilians supporting the legitimate political process in Iraq.  KH was notorious for its extensive use of media operations and propaganda, such as filming and releasing videos of attacks.  KH has ideological ties to and receives support from Iran.

Activities:  In 2024, KH remained active in Iraq and Syria, typically using front names or proxy groups to obfuscate its involvement in attacks.  In January, KH conducted an attack against U.S. forces at Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq.

Strength:  KH was estimated to have as many as 10,000 fighters.

Location/Area of Operation:  Iraq and Syria.

Funding and External Aid:  KH depends heavily on support from Iran.  KH also raises funds through criminal activities and operates legitimate businesses, such as property holdings and investments.

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