US Blacklists Iran-backed Iraqi Militia Leaders

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on
three Iranian-backed Iraqi paramilitary leaders and a businessmen over a deadly
crackdown on protests in the country.
"The Iraqi people want their country back. They
are calling for genuine reform and accountability and for trustworthy leaders
who will put Iraq's national interests first," Secretary of State Mike
Pompeo said in a statement.
David Schenker, Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern
Affairs, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the US is “encouraging neighbors not to
meddle and undermine the constitution” of Iraq.
In his turn, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin
said: “Iran’s attempts to suppress the legitimate demands of the Iraqi people
for reform of their government through the slaughter of peaceful demonstrators
is appalling.”
“Peaceful public dissent and protest are fundamental
elements of all democracies. The United States stands with the Iraqi people in
their efforts to root out corruption. We
will hold accountable the perpetrators of human rights abuse and corruption in
Iraq.”
Some 430 people have died across Iraq as security
forces and paramilitaries cracked down on two months of protests triggered by
concerns over unemployment and corruption.
The State Department announced sanctions on four
Iraqis. Among them are Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq
Iran-backed militia and his brother Laith al-Khazali, another leader of the
group.
The sanctions also target Hussein Falih al-Lami,
security chief for the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which is dominated by
groups backed by Iran, including Asaib.
Iraqi businessman Khamis al-Khanjar is also targeted
by the sanctions for alleged corruption.
The sanctions freeze any US assets held by the
leaders and prohibit Americans from doing business with them.