Overview
- Al-Saadi, who appeared in Manhattan federal court Friday, is in U.S. custody on six terrorism counts and was ordered held without bail.
- Prosecutors say he helped plan at least 18 attacks in Europe and two in Canada, including bombings, arsons, and stabbings claimed under the name HAYI, a front they tie to Kata'ib Hezbollah.
- He allegedly tried to stage attacks in New York, Los Angeles, and Scottsdale by sending an undercover agent maps, photos, and a payment, while discussing explosives or fire as the method.
- Court filings describe links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and show social posts that urged followers to kill Americans and Jews, with images placing him alongside Qassem Soleimani.
- Defense counsel says Turkish authorities seized him and a Foreign Transfer of Custody moved him to the U.S., calling the case political, as investigators pursue related leads and Jewish sites tighten security.