Iraqi Hezbollah slams inclusion on US ‘terrorist’ list

By Amir al-Hassani</p> <p>BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraq’s Hezbollah al-Nujaba Movement, a pro-Iran militia group, has condemned the addition of its name to Washington’s list of “terrorist groups”, describing the move as “psychological warfare”.</p> <p>Earlier this week, the U.S. announced that it had added the group — along with leader Akram al-Kaabi — to its list of groups accused of carrying out terrorist acts.</p> <p>Group spokesman Hashim al-Mousawi responded to the move in a Wednesday statement, saying: “The U.S. does not have the right to accuse us of terrorism.”</p> <p>Hezbollah al-Nujaba is an offshoot of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq, a militant faction of Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi group.</p> <p>Established in 2014 to fight the Daesh terrorist group, the Hashd al-Shaabi — a predominantly Shia fighting force — was formally incorporated into the Iraqi army in 2017.</p> <p>Hezbollah al-Nujaba is reportedly active in both Iraq and Syria. According to press reports, it helped Iran establish a supply route to Damascus via Iraq.</p> <p>Group leaders openly declare their support for the government in Tehran.</p> <p>According to the U.S. State Department, al-Kaabi established Hezbollah al-Nujaba with Iranian assistance, and the group receives funding from Baghdad despite its stated support for the Iranian leadership.