Database: Identifiers of Designated Islamic Terrorist Organizations

Kata'ib al-Muqawama al-Islamiya fi al-Iraq

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

Kata'ib al-Muqawama al-Islamiya fi al-Iraq (Islamic Resistance Brigades in Iraq) is a Shi'a militia led by one Qasim al-Mousawi, who leads the 'Zain al-Abidin Movement' (named for the fourth Shi'i Imam) and has liaised with Da'wa Party figures such as ex-PM Nouri al-Maliki and Ali al-Adib. The most notable recent (as of August 2015) claimed area of operation has been Balad in Salah ad-Din province. Ideologically, the group is aligned with Iran and its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamene'i while attempting to appeal to notions of reverence for Ayatollah Sistani and pan-Shi'a sentiment. In summer 2015, the group announced the opening of a portfolio for recruitment to fight in Syria to defend holy sites in that country.

Kata'ib al-Muqawama al-Islamiya fi al-Iraq: Emblem	Kata'ib al-Muqawama al-Islamiya fi al-Iraq: Poster	Kata'ib al-Muqawama al-Islamiya fi al-Iraq: Recruitment for Syria