Database: Identifiers of Designated Islamic Terrorist Organizations

Kata'ib Dir' al-Wilaya

Not yet designated terrorist by a Western country
Base of operations: Iraq

Kata'ib Dir' al-Wilaya (The Wilaya Shield Battalions) is a Shi'a militia operating in Iraq. The 'Wilaya' most likely refers to the doctrine of absolute Wilayat al-Faqih ('Guardianship of the Jurist') espoused by Ayatollah Khomeini and implemented in Iran's system of governance. Unsurprisingly, therefore, the group features and promotes Iran's current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in its social media, and in July 2015 held joint al-Quds Day celebrations in Najaf with other Iranian proxies in Iraq such as Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and the Badr Organization. It should also be noted that the Secretary General for Kata'ib Dir' al-Wilaya- Ra'ed al-Haydari- has been involved with the al-Mojtaba Institute that is affiliated with the cultural council of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq. Evidence from the Baiji operations in which Kata'ib Dir' al-Wilaya is participating suggests close operational links with Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq.

Kata'ib Dir' al-Wilaya Emblem	Kata'ib Dir' al-Wilaya Flag	Kata'ib Dir' al-Wilaya Poster