US Offers $10 Million Reward for Information on Iranian-Backed Militia Leader

The US State Department has announced a substantial reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the capture of Haydar al-Sa’idi, the leader of the Iran-backed militia Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya. This group has been linked to numerous attacks against US forces in Iraq and Syria, including a deadly drone strike in Jordan. The announcement comes amid rising tensions in the region, as the US seeks to counter threats from Iran-aligned militias. Individuals with credible information are encouraged to contact the Rewards for Justice program, with the potential for significant financial rewards based on the value of the tips provided.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 27, 2026, 22:19 IST

US State Department's Reward Announcement

The US State Department has launched a Rewards for Justice initiative, offering a reward of up to $10 million for information that leads to the identification, location, or capture of Haydar Muzhir Ma’lak al-Sa’idi, also known as Haydar al-Gharawi. Al-Sa’idi is the Secretary General and primary leader of Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya (HAAA), a Shia militia in Iraq that is supported by Iran and is part of the larger coalition of Iran-aligned armed groups known as the 'Islamic Resistance in Iraq.'

Insights into Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya

Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya has been implicated in numerous attacks targeting US and coalition forces in both Iraq and Syria. The group has claimed responsibility for or has been associated with various drone and rocket strikes against American military personnel and installations. Notably, it was involved in a drone assault on Tower 22 in Jordan in January 2024, which resulted in the deaths of three US service members.

In June 2024, the US government designated HAAA and al-Sa’idi as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT). Later, in September 2025, the group was classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). US officials allege that the militia receives financial support, training, and equipment from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps–Qods Force (IRGC-QF). HAAA has also issued threats against US interests and Israel, while being accused of instilling fear among local Iraqi civilians and functioning as part of Iran's proxy militia network in the region.

Details of the Reward Program

The Rewards for Justice program is actively seeking credible information that could assist in locating or identifying al-Sa’idi, with the $10 million reward being contingent on the quality of the information provided. Submissions can be made through secure channels, and rewards may be issued in full or in part based on the significance of the tips.

This announcement comes at a time of increased tensions in the region, particularly concerning the ongoing conflicts involving Iran and its affiliated groups throughout the Middle East. The US has reiterated its commitment to countering the threats posed by Iran-backed militias that jeopardize American personnel and regional stability. Al-Sa’idi has previously dismissed the US's terrorist designation as a 'badge of honor.'

Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to reach out to the Rewards for Justice program, with tips being accepted confidentially through the program's website or other secure methods. The US government stresses that rewards are only granted for information that leads to significant outcomes, reflecting its ongoing efforts to dismantle Iran-aligned networks responsible for attacks on American and allied targets in the region.