US sanctions Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad for alleged support of Iran terror groups

The United States government on Monday designated Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad and its CEO for supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

A statement seen by Nehanda Radio from the US State Department said; “We are also identifying two Iraq-registered aircraft that Fly Baghdad owns as blocked property.

“Fly Baghdad flights have delivered shipments of weapons to Damascus International airport in Syria for transfer to members of the [Quds Force] and Iran-aligned militia groups on the ground in Syria.

“Additionally, the United States is designating three leaders and supporters of Kata’ib Hizballah, one of the IRGC-QF’s Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, and one business that facilitates and launders funds for Kata’ib Hizballah.

The US State Department argues that IRGC-QF and Iran-aligned militia groups pose a significant threat to the Middle East region.

Kata’ib Hizballah has been responsible for a series of drone and missile attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7.

“The United States remains committed to exposing and taking actions against individuals and groups that abuse their local economies and engage in illegal activities that support terrorist groups destabilizing the region,” the statement read.

Fly Baghdad operates a fleet of eight Boeing 737s, including one 737-700, four 737-800s and three 737-900ERs, according to Cirium data.

Both the IRGC-QF and Kata’ib Hizballah are U.S designated entities. The Department of the Treasury action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended.

“Iran and its proxies have sought to abuse regional economies and use seemingly legitimate businesses as cover for funding and facilitating their attacks,” says the Treasury Department’s under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Brian Nelson.

“The United States will continue to disrupt Iran’s illicit activities aimed at undermining the stability of the region.”