U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Iraqi Airline Fly Baghdad for Alleged Support of Iran-Backed Terrorism

The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on the Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad and its CEO, alleging that the company supported U.S.-sanctioned terrorist organizations, including the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran.

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In a statement released on January 22, the U.S. Department of the Treasury stated that «shipments of weapons to Damascus International Airport in Syria for transfer to members of the IRGC-QF and Iran-aligned militia groups on the ground in Syria, including the Syrian Arab Republican Guard, Lebanese Hizballah, KH, and the KH-affiliated Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas Brigade.»

According to the department, Fly Baghdad recently transported Iraqi fighters «in support of Iranian proxies’ attacks on Israel.» and transported these fighters after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The Treasury Department’s action originated from its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under an executive order aimed at targeting terrorists and their supporters.

Fly Baghdad operates a fleet of eight Boeing 737s, including one 737-700, four 737-800s, and three 737-900ERs.

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The U.S. government also sanctioned Fly Baghdad’s CEO, Basheer al-Shabbani, for his role in the ownership or control of the airline. The sanctions prohibit «all transactions by U.S. persons» involving properties or interests related to the airline and its CEO.

“Iran and its proxies have sought to abuse regional economies and use seemingly legitimate businesses as cover for funding and facilitating their attacks,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian E. Nelson. “The United States will continue to disrupt Iran’s illicit activities aimed at undermining the stability of the region.”

According to U.S. government allegations, Fly Baghdad delivered «a range of weapons,» including Iranian missiles from the Fateh, Zulfiqar, and Fajr series, as well as AK-47s, RPG-7s, and other grenades and machine guns, to Iran-backed groups in Syria. The airline also reportedly transported «bags of U.S. currency and U.S.-manufactured weapons obtained through battlefield collection» from Iraq and Lebanon.