| Saraya Awliya al-Dam | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | SAD |
| Foundation | August 2020[1] |
| Country |  Iraq |
| Ideology | Anti-Americanism[2] Anti-Zionism[3] |
| Notable attacks | 2021 Erbil rocket attacks |
| Part of | Popular Mobilization Forces (alleged) Islamic Resistance in Iraq |
| Allies |  Iran (alleged) North KoreaKata'ib Hezbollah Popular Mobilization Forces (alleged)[4] |
| Opponents |  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]
- ^ "Iraq's Resurgent Paramilitaries". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Archived from the original on 13 September 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Bombs Over Erbil". Newlines Magazine. 17 February 2021. Archived from the original on 4 July 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b "Profile: Saraya Awliya al-Dam". The Washington Institute. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.