US announces $10mn bounty on Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah chief

The United States has announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Ahmed al-Hamidawi, the alleged leader of the Iran-backed group Kataib Hezbollah, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.

According to the media reports citing American officials, the announcement comes as Washington intensifies pressure on armed groups it accuses of destabilising Iraq and targeting US interests in the region.

According to a report by a US broadcaster, Kataib Hezbollah—currently led by al-Hamidawi—has been accused of carrying out multiple attacks on American diplomatic facilities and personnel in Iraq.

The group is also alleged to have been involved in kidnappings of US citizens and violence against Iraqi civilians.

The US State Department described the organisation as a major source of regional instability, saying its activities pose a direct threat to American diplomatic missions as well as Iraqi public safety.

Officials further stated that the bounty is part of broader efforts to curb the influence of Iran-linked militias operating across the Middle East.