Database: Identifiers of Designated Islamic Terrorist Organizations

Liwa al-Imam Zain al-Abidin

Not yet designated terrorist by a Western country
Base of operations: Syria
Background: Aymenn al-Tamimi

Liwa al-Imam Zain al-Abidin (Imam Zain al-Abidin Brigade, named for the fourth Shi'i imam) is a militia based in the eastern Syria city of Deir az-Zor. The leader is one Abu Abboud, a petroleum engineer by profession and native of the area. Though he says the group is independent, the militia is in reality affiliated with Hezbollah, which also maintains a presence in Deir az-Zor, and the claim that it is independent should be taken as formal distancing. Not only is the affiliation indicated by the group's imagery, but also relatively high salaries are offered for recruits, pointing to foreign backing. The local activist group Deir az-Zor is being Slaughtered Silently, opposed to both the Islamic State and the regime, also identifies the militia as affiliated with Hezbollah.

It should also be noted that Liwa al-Imam Zain al-Abidin is a name used by other militias based in Syria, such as in the Ithiriya area on the route to Raqqa.

Liwa al-Imam Zain al-Abidin Flag