Prominent N.Y. synagogue targeted in alleged terror plot, prosecutors say

Key Points:

• Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national and commander for Kata'ib Hizballah, has been charged with conspiracy to provide material support to Iranian-backed terrorist groups and plotting terror attacks in the U.S., including targeting a Jewish synagogue in New York.
• Prosecutors allege Al-Saadi attempted to recruit an undercover agent for the attack, providing photos and maps of Jewish centers and agreeing on a $10,000 cryptocurrency payment, with a $3,000 down payment made before his arrest in Turkey.
• British intelligence had been monitoring Al-Saadi's group and was aware of plans to expand attacks to U.S. soil, highlighting the global threat posed by Iranian-backed terrorist organizations like Kata'ib Hizballah and the IRGC.
• U.S. and New York officials emphasized their commitment to disrupting terrorist plots and protecting Jewish communities, condemning antisemitism and violent extremism amid rising threats across the country.
• Al-Saadi’s prosecution underscores the federal government’s dedication to dismantling foreign terrorist organizations and bringing their members to justice for attacks against Americans and U.S. interests.