Iraqi PM condemns US blacklisting of counter-terrorism leaders

In a statement released by Iraq’s Shafaq News on Sunday, he said those targeted by the fresh American sanctions were the ones involved in operations against the Daesh terrorist group.

“We reject and denounce the inclusion of Iraqi leaders and figures known for their record and political role in combating Daesh on the list of sanctions and bans by the countries with which we have relations and agreements,” he said. On December 6, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced sanctions on Qais al-Khazali and his brother Laith, two leaders of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq, as well as Hussein Falil Aziz al-Lami of Kata’ib Hezbollah. 

Both factions are part of Hashd al-Sha’abi, an umbrella paramilitary group that has actively cooperated with the national army in sweeping counter-terrorism operations.

Iraqi businessman and political figure Khamis al-Khanjar was also included in the US sanctions list over alleged bribery.