Pro-Iranian Militia Leader Reportedly Killed In Iraq by Unidentified Gunmen

Bronson Stocking | January 11, 2020 4:38 PM

The Daily Mail is reporting that high-ranking Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) leader Taleb Abbas Ali al-Saedi was killed in Iraq on Saturday by an unidentified group of gunmen.

Local media is reporting that Al-Saedi was "assassinated" by an unknown group of gunmen late Saturday night in the Iraqi city of Karbala, some 62 miles southwest of Baghdad, the Daily Mail said. Al-Saedi commanded the Karbala Brigades, an Iranian militia unit that is part of the larger Shiite PMF umbrella.

A commander of Abbas Ali Al-Sa'edi which is a Pro-#Iran #PMU has been assassinatedi in Karbala, #Iraq
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) January 11, 2020

Al-Saedi was the commander of Karbala Brigade.
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) January 11, 2020

There are additional reports that Al-Saedi was killed alongside two of his companions late Saturday night.

Additional reports are that Al-Saedi and two of his companions were killed during the shooting by “anonyous gunmen”
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) January 11, 2020

A picture of PMF leader Taleb Abbas Ali al-Saedi's government ID.

Reports are that he was shot dead. pic.twitter.com/5TCKNtG0iH
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) January 11, 2020

Four members of the PMF were killed in an airstrike last week, alongside Iranian Quds Force General Qasem Soleimani as their convoy departed from Baghdad International Airport. Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the Iraqi-Iranian leader who headed the PMF, was among those killed. Iran retaliated for the airstrike with attacks on two bases housing American troops in Iraq, but no Americans were killed. On Saturday, Iran admitted to 'unintentionally' shooting down a Ukrainian passenger jet just hours after firing missiles at the two bases in Iraq. All 176 people on board the plane were killed.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.