Kataib Hezbollah factfile

The Iran-aligned Iraqi militia is suspected of launching the drone strike that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan on January 28


Kataib Hezbollah: Most powerful faction in Islamic Resistance in. Iraq – umbrella group of Shia armed groups that claims over 170 attacks on U.S. forces since Gaza war began. Strength: 10,000*


U.S. bases attacked

TURKEY
LEBANON 
SYRIA
JORDAN 
ISRAEL
IRAQ 
IRAN
Baghdad 
Jurf al-Sakhar
Tower 22
SAUDI ARABIA
KUWAIT
200km 125 miles


Dec 4, 2023: Kataib Hezbollah fighters at funeral in Baghdad for five militants killed in U.S. strike in northern Iraq


TIMELINE

2007: Kataib Hezbollah comes to prominence with series of attacks against U.S.-led forces in Iraq

2009: Designated as terrorist organization by U.S.

Mar 2011: Civil war breaks out in Syria – group sends fighters to support Bashar al-Assad’s regime and begins attacking U.S. targets in Syria

Dec 2011: U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. Kataib Hezbollah continues to attack remaining U.S. forces

2016: Officially recognized by Iraqi government, becoming part of Popular Mobilization Forces – but often operates outside chain of command

2020: Group’s founder, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, (right) killed in U.S. drone strike – Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi takes over leadership

Jan 24, 2024: U.S. strikes group’s stronghold in Jurf Al-Sakhar in retaliation for drone and
missile attacks

Jan 28: Three U.S. soldiers killed in drone strike at Tower 22 military base in Jordan

Jan 31: Kataib Hezbollah announces suspension of operations against U.S. forces as Washington ponders response to Jan 28 attack


*As of Sep 2022, National Counterterrorism Center


Sources: Reuters, Director of National Intelligence, ISW 
Pictures: Getty Images 
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