Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq

Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) is an Iraqi Shia Islamist political and paramilitary group. It emerged from the Mahdi Army and has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. The group is known for its strong ties to Iran and has been accused of receiving support and training from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). AAH is currently newsworthy due to recent US sanctions. The US Treasury Department has sanctioned leaders of pro-Iran militias, including those associated with AAH, for allegedly helping Iran bypass international sanctions on its oil exports. Specifically, the sanctions target individuals accused of facilitating Iran's illicit oil sales through Iraq, employing corrupt methods to circumvent restrictions. This action underscores the ongoing US efforts to increase economic pressure on Iran and disrupt its revenue streams. The group's involvement in these activities highlights its continued relevance in the regional geopolitical landscape and its role as a proxy for Iranian influence in Iraq.