DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

'We are in a war,' alleged Iran-backed militant exclaims in US court

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • An alleged Iran-backed militant pleaded not guilty in a New York court to charges of plotting attacks in the US and Europe.
  • The Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, proclaimed his innocence and stated, "We are in a war situation."
  • Prosecutors accuse Al-Saadi of helping plan approximately 18 attacks in Europe and plotting attacks in the US, while his defense entered a not guilty plea.

An alleged member of an Iran-backed militia proclaimed his innocence in a Manhattan federal court, declaring, "We are in a war situation." Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national, pleaded not guilty to eight counts, including conspiracy to provide material support to Kata'ib Hezbollah, an organization the US designates as terrorist.

Al-Saadi, speaking through an interpreter, gestured toward the judge and prosecutors, stating, "Children are being killed by your rockets." He did not specify an incident, but the article notes Iranian officials reported a strike on a girls' school killed over 175 children and teachers, which an internal US military investigation suggested US forces were likely responsible for, though the Pentagon stated its investigation is ongoing.

I am not guilty, and we are in a war situation.

— Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-SaadiDuring his arraignment in Manhattan federal court after pleading not guilty to US criminal charges.

His lawyer entered the not guilty plea on his behalf. Al-Saadi was taken into US custody in Turkey last month amidst heightened scrutiny of Iran-backed militias targeting American personnel. US prosecutors allege Kata'ib Hezbollah is directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and that Al-Saadi helped plan numerous attacks in Europe and plotted attacks within the United States.

Children are being killed by your rockets.

— Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-SaadiAddressing the judge and prosecutors in court.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog