Iran-backed Iraqi militia vows suicide missions in defense of Tehran
The Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia in Iraq launched a drive for members to pledge their willingness to defend Tehran with suicide missions, the group announced on Tuesday.
The campaign came after the group's leader Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi urged Iran's supporters everywhere to ready for its defense against Israel and the United States.
"We say to our dear mujahideen brothers to prepare themselves on the ground for this," he said in a statement, "(and) Jihadist action that rises to the level of martyrdom operations in defense of the people of Islam."
Image circulated on the group's Telegram account showed al-Hamidawi and followers of the group wearing symbolic white burial shrouds signing a document vowing readiness for suicide missions.
"Names of the martyrdom-seeking brothers ready to defend the Islamic Republic of Iran," the documents on the militia's official letterhead said.
Kataib Hezbollah, designated by the US as a terrorist organization, is part of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces and has carried out attacks on US and allied targets in the region.
