Saraya Awliya al-Dam

Saraya Awliya al-Dam
Also known asSAD
FoundationAugust 2020[1]
Country Iraq
IdeologyAnti-Americanism[2]
Anti-Zionism[3]
Notable attacks2021 Erbil rocket attacks
Part ofPopular Mobilization Forces (alleged)
Islamic Resistance in Iraq
Allies Iran (alleged)
 North Korea
Kata'ib Hezbollah
Popular Mobilization Forces (alleged)[4]
Opponents Israel
 United States
 Turkey[5]
 Iraqi Kurdistan[6]
Battles and wars

Saraya Awliya al-Dam, also referred to by the abbreviation SAD, is a Shi'ite pro-Iran militia based in Iraq. The organization is known for its counter-U.S. operations in Northern Iraq.[7]

In 2021, the group claimed responsibility for the 2021 Erbil rocket attacks, which killed two civilians and injured six more, including an American soldier.[8][9]

A report by the Washington Institute suggested that they might have connections to Asaib Ahl al-Haq, an Iraqi Shi'a paramilitary.[7]

  1. ^ "Iraq's Resurgent Paramilitaries". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Archived from the original on 13 September 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  2. ^ "Iraq's rogue militias: Who can stop them from attacking? | DW | 20.02.2021". DW.COM. Archived from the original on 29 July 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  3. ^ Staff, The New Arab (7 July 2021). "Iraqi militia claims drone attack on Erbil airport". alaraby.co.uk. Archived from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  4. ^ Tollast, Robert (16 February 2021). "Shadowy militia organisation likely backed by Iran claims fatal Iraq attack on US base". Archived from the original on 28 February 2021.
  5. ^ "Bombs Over Erbil". Newlines Magazine. 17 February 2021. Archived from the original on 4 July 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  6. ^ Shinkman, Paul D. "U.S., Kurds Blame Iran for Deadly Irbil Attack Despite Tehran's Denials: Sources". US News. Archived from the original on 18 June 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  7. ^ a b "Profile: Saraya Awliya al-Dam". The Washington Institute. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  8. ^ "Pro-Iran militia claims responsibility for missile attack on Erbil airport". Middle East Monitor. 17 February 2021. Archived from the original on 8 September 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  9. ^ "Erbil rocket victim dies a week after attack | Rudaw.net". www.rudaw.net. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.