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{{Short description|Armed wing of the islamic movement}}
{{use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2020}} <!-- inferred from "favor" but replace with another use template if I have misconstrued -->
{{EngvarB|date=August 2020}} <!-- inferred from "favor" but replace with another use template if I have misconstrued -->
{{infobox war faction
{{infobox war faction
|name=Kata'ib al-Imam Ali
| name = Kata'ib al-Imam Ali
|native_name={{lang|ar|كتائب الإمام علي}}
| native_name = {{lang|ar|كتائب الإمام علي}}
|native_name_lang= Ar
| native_name_lang = Ar
|war=[[Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)]], [[Syrian Civil War]]
| war = [[Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)]], [[Syrian Civil War]]
|image= Kata'ib_al-Imam_Ali_Logo.png
| image = Kata'ib_al-Imam_Ali_Logo.png
|image_size = 200 px
| image_size = 200 px
|caption=Kata'ib al-Imam Ali logo
| caption = Kata'ib al-Imam Ali logo
|active=June 2014 – present<ref name="portrait">{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/kataib-al-imam-ali-portrait-of-an-iraqi-shiite-militant-group-fighting-isis |title=Kataib al-Imam Ali: Portrait of an Iraqi Shiite Militant Group Fighting ISIS |date=5 January 2015 |publisher=Washington Institute for Near East Policy |access-date=30 March 2015}}</ref>
| active = June 2014 – present<ref name="portrait">{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/kataib-al-imam-ali-portrait-of-an-iraqi-shiite-militant-group-fighting-isis |title=Kataib al-Imam Ali: Portrait of an Iraqi Shiite Militant Group Fighting ISIS |date=5 January 2015 |publisher=Washington Institute for Near East Policy |access-date=30 March 2015}}</ref>
|ideology=[[Shia]] [[Islamism]]<ref name="portrait"/><br/>[[Guardianship of the Islamic Jurists|Wilayat al Faqih]]<br/>[[Anti-Americanism]]<ref name="portrait"−/><br/>[[Anti-Zionism]]
| ideology = [[Shia]] [[Islamism]]<ref name="portrait"/><br/>[[Guardianship of the Islamic Jurists|Wilayat al Faqih]]<br/>[[Anti-Americanism]]<ref name="portrait"−/><br/>[[Anti-Zionism]]
|clans=*[[Kataib Rouh Allah Issa Ibn Miriam]]<ref name="Christian">{{cite web |author=Aymenn Al-Tamimi |url=http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/sample-concepts-christian-shia-alliance-iraq/ |title=Sample Concepts of a Christian-Shi'a Alliance in Iraq |date=31 December 2014 |work=Syria Comment |access-date=26 November 2016}}</ref>
| clans = *[[Kataib Rouh Allah Issa Ibn Miriam]]<ref name="Christian">{{cite web |author=Aymenn Al-Tamimi |url=http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/sample-concepts-christian-shia-alliance-iraq/ |title=Sample Concepts of a Christian-Shi'a Alliance in Iraq |date=31 December 2014 |work=Syria Comment |access-date=26 November 2016}}</ref>
|leaders=*Secretary General [[Shibl al-Zaydi]] ([[:fa:شبل الزیدی|fa]])<ref name="Jihad Intel">{{cite web |url=http://jihadintel.meforum.org/group/131/kataib-al-imam-ali |title=Kata'ib al-Imam Ali |work=Jihad Intel |access-date=26 November 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(overall leader)</small>
| leaders = *Secretary General [[Shibl al-Zaydi]] ([[:fa:شبل الزیدی|fa]])<ref name="Jihad Intel">{{cite web |url=http://jihadintel.meforum.org/group/131/kataib-al-imam-ali |title=Kata'ib al-Imam Ali |work=Jihad Intel |access-date=26 November 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(overall leader)</small>
* [[Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis]]<ref name="portrait"/><br /><small>(unofficial patron, operations commander)</small>
* [[Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis]]{{KIA}}<ref name="portrait"/><br /><small>(unofficial patron, operations commander)</small>
|headquarters=
| headquarters =
|area=[[Iraq]]<br />[[Syria]]
| area = [[Iraq]]<br />[[Syria]]
|size=
| size =
|partof=*{{flagicon image|Hashd Al-Sha'abi flag.svg}} [[Popular Mobilization Forces]] (PMF)
| partof = *{{flagicon image|}} [[Popular Mobilization Forces]] (PMF)
* Harakat al-Iraq al-Islamiyah<ref name="portrait" />
* Harakat al-Iraq al-Islamiyah<ref name="portrait" />
|predecessor=
| predecessor =
|successor=
| successor =
|allies='''State allies'''
| allies = '''State allies'''
* {{IRQ}}<ref name="portrait" />
* {{IRQ}}<ref name="portrait" />
* {{IRN}}
* {{IRN}}
** {{flagicon image|Seal of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution.svg|border=no}} [[Quds Force]]<ref name="portrait" />
** {{flagicon image|Seal of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution.svg|border=no}} [[Quds Force]]<ref name="portrait" />
* {{SYR}}<ref>{{Cite web |first=Leith |last=Aboufadel |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tiger-forces-liberate-hill-800-west-palmyra/ |title=Tiger Forces liberate Hill 800 in west Palmyra |date=14 March 2016 |work=Al-Masdar Al-'Arabi (The Arab Source)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Syria|1980}} [[Ba'athist Syria]] (until 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |first=Leith |last=Aboufadel |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tiger-forces-liberate-hill-800-west-palmyra/ |title=Tiger Forces liberate Hill 800 in west Palmyra |date=14 March 2016 |work=Al-Masdar Al-'Arabi (The Arab Source) |access-date=26 November 2016 |archive-date=10 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510162501/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tiger-forces-liberate-hill-800-west-palmyra/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
'''Non-state allies'''
'''Non-state allies'''
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas Forces.svg}} [[Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas Forces]]<ref>{{Cite web |author=Phillip Smyth |date=29 May 2015 |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/iraqi-shiite-foreign-fighters-on-the-rise-again-in-syria |title=Iraqi Shiite Foreign Fighters on the Rise Again in Syria |publisher=Washington Institute}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image}} [[Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas Forces]]<ref>{{Cite web |author=Phillip Smyth |date=29 May 2015 |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/iraqi-shiite-foreign-fighters-on-the-rise-again-in-syria |title=Iraqi Shiite Foreign Fighters on the Rise Again in Syria |publisher=Washington Institute}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|}} [[Quwat al-Shaheed al-Sadr]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iraqtabloid.com/news-details/30597/|title = قوات الحشد الشعبي تطهر القرى الواقعة بين خط اللاين وشارع الحمرة}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|}} [[Quwat al-Shaheed al-Sadr]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iraqtabloid.com/news-details/30597/|title = قوات الحشد الشعبي تطهر القرى الواقعة بين خط اللاين وشارع الحمرة}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|InfoboxNDF.png}} [[National Defence Forces]]<ref>{{Cite news |first=Leith |last=Aboufadel |date=15 May 2017 |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-government-iraqi-reinforcements-reach-southeast-damascus-upcoming-offensive/ |title=Syrian government, Iraqi reinforcements reach southeast Damascus for upcoming offensive |work=Al-Masdar Al-'Arabi (The Arab Source)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|InfoboxNDF.png}} [[National Defence Forces]]<ref>{{Cite news |first=Leith |last=Aboufadel |date=15 May 2017 |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-government-iraqi-reinforcements-reach-southeast-damascus-upcoming-offensive/ |title=Syrian government, Iraqi reinforcements reach southeast Damascus for upcoming offensive |work=Al-Masdar Al-'Arabi (The Arab Source) |access-date=20 July 2018 |archive-date=19 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819015245/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-government-iraqi-reinforcements-reach-southeast-damascus-upcoming-offensive/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|opponents={{flagicon image|AQMI Flag asymmetric.svg}} [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/kurdish-forces-and-iraqi-forces-militias-clash-in-northern-iraq.php |title=Kurdish and Iraqi forces, militias clash in northern Iraq |date=October 26, 2017 |website=FDD's Long War Journal}}</ref>
| opponents = {{flagicon image|AQMI Flag asymmetric.svg}} [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]<br />{{flagicon|Kurdistan}} [[Peshmerga]] (2017–)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/kurdish-forces-and-iraqi-forces-militias-clash-in-northern-iraq.php |title=Kurdish and Iraqi forces, militias clash in northern Iraq |date=October 26, 2017 |website=FDD's Long War Journal}}</ref>
|battles=[[Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)]]
| battles = [[War in Iraq (2014–2017)]]
* [[Second Battle of Tikrit]]<ref name="Tikrit">{{cite news |title=Iranian-backed Shiite militias lead Iraq's fight to retake Tikrit |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/03/iranian-backed-shiite-militias-lead-iraqs-fight-to-retake-tikrit.php |work=FDD's Long War Journal |date=4 March 2015 |access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref>
* [[Second Battle of Tikrit]]<ref name="Tikrit">{{cite news |title=Iranian-backed Shiite militias lead Iraq's fight to retake Tikrit |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/03/iranian-backed-shiite-militias-lead-iraqs-fight-to-retake-tikrit.php |work=FDD's Long War Journal |date=4 March 2015 |access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref>
* [[Battle of Mosul (2016)]]<ref name="PMF cut off">{{cite web |author1=Amir Toumaj |date=4 November 2016 |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/11/iraqi-popular-mobilization-forces-attempt-to-cut-off-islamic-state-in-mosul.php |title=Iraqi PMF attempts to cut off Islamic State in Mosul |work=FDD's Long War Journal |access-date=5 November 2016}}</ref>
* [[Battle of Mosul (2016)]]<ref name="PMF cut off">{{cite web |author1=Amir Toumaj |date=4 November 2016 |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/11/iraqi-popular-mobilization-forces-attempt-to-cut-off-islamic-state-in-mosul.php |title=Iraqi PMF attempts to cut off Islamic State in Mosul |work=FDD's Long War Journal |access-date=5 November 2016}}</ref>
[[Syrian Civil War]]
[[Syrian Civil War]]
* [[Palmyra offensive (March 2016)]]<ref name="Palmyra">{{cite web |author=Leith Fadel |date=14 March 2016 |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tiger-forces-liberate-hill-800-west-palmyra/ |title=Tiger Forces liberate Hill 800 in west Palmyra |work=Al-Masdar News |access-date=16 March 2016}}</ref>
* [[Palmyra offensive (March 2016)]]<ref name="Palmyra">{{cite web |author=Leith Fadel |date=14 March 2016 |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tiger-forces-liberate-hill-800-west-palmyra/ |title=Tiger Forces liberate Hill 800 in west Palmyra |work=Al-Masdar News |access-date=16 March 2016 |archive-date=10 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510162501/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tiger-forces-liberate-hill-800-west-palmyra/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Battle of Aleppo (2012–present)]]
* [[Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016)]]
** [[Aleppo offensive (November–December 2016)]]<ref name="array">{{cite web |author=Amir Toumaj |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/12/array-of-pro-syrian-government-forces-advance-in-aleppo.php |title=Array of pro-Syrian government forces advances in Aleppo |work=FDD's Long War Journal |date=9 December 2016 |access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref>
** [[Aleppo offensive (November–December 2016)]]<ref name="array">{{cite web |author=Amir Toumaj |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/12/array-of-pro-syrian-government-forces-advance-in-aleppo.php |title=Array of pro-Syrian government forces advances in Aleppo |work=FDD's Long War Journal |date=9 December 2016 |access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref>
*[[Syrian Desert campaign (May–July 2017)]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-government-iraqi-reinforcements-reach-southeast-damascus-upcoming-offensive/|title=Syrian government, Iraqi reinforcements reach southeast Damascus for upcoming offensive|date=15 May 2017}}</ref>
*[[Syrian Desert campaign (May–July 2017)]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-government-iraqi-reinforcements-reach-southeast-damascus-upcoming-offensive/|title=Syrian government, Iraqi reinforcements reach southeast Damascus for upcoming offensive|date=15 May 2017|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-date=19 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819015245/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-government-iraqi-reinforcements-reach-southeast-damascus-upcoming-offensive/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[2017 Abu Kamal offensive]]
* [[2017 Abu Kamal offensive]]
|status=
| status =
|allegiance={{IRQ}}
| allegiance = {{IRQ}}
}}
}}
'''Kata'ib al-Imam Ali''' ({{lang-ar|كتائب الإمام علي}}, ''Kataʾib al-ʾImām ʿAlīy''), also known as the '''Imam Ali Battalions''', are the armed wing of the Islamic Movement of Iraq (Harakat al-Iraq al-Islamiyah) and serve as part of the umbrella organization "[[Popular Mobilization Forces]]", Kata'ib al-Imam Ali is prominently involved in the [[Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)|Iraqi Civil War]], fighting against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL).<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Popular Forces Warn to Disclose Coalition's Support for ISIL|url=http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2015/03/01/iraqi-popular-forces-warn-to-disclose-coalitions-support-for-isil/ |work=Islamic Invitation Turkey |date=1 March 2015 |access-date=30 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303180934/http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2015/03/01/iraqi-popular-forces-warn-to-disclose-coalitions-support-for-isil/|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
'''Kata'ib al-Imam Ali''' ({{langx|ar|كتائب الإمام علي}}, ''Kataʾib al-ʾImām ʿAlīy''), also known as the '''Imam Ali Battalions''', are the armed wing of the Islamic Movement of Iraq (Harakat al-Iraq al-Islamiyah) and serve as part of the umbrella organization "[[Popular Mobilization Forces]]". Kata'ib al-Imam Ali is prominently involved in the [[War in Iraq (2014–2017)|War in Iraq]], fighting against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL).<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Popular Forces Warn to Disclose Coalition's Support for ISIL|url=http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2015/03/01/iraqi-popular-forces-warn-to-disclose-coalitions-support-for-isil/ |work=Islamic Invitation Turkey |date=1 March 2015 |access-date=30 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303180934/http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2015/03/01/iraqi-popular-forces-warn-to-disclose-coalitions-support-for-isil/|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Kata'ib al-Imam Ali came into existence in June 2014 as the armed wing of the Harakat al-Iraq al-Islamiyah (Movement of the Islamic Iraq) party. While its emergence was linked to the large-scale Shia mobilization after the escalation of Iraq's Sunni Arab [[Iraqi insurgency (2011–13)|insurgency]] into a full-out civil war, Kata'ib al-Imam Ali is closely connected to older Iraqi Shia Islamist organizations, parties and militias, as well as to the Iranian [[Quds Force]]. The group's secretary general [[Shibl al-Zaydi]] is affiliated with the [[Sadrist Movement]], and was at one point member of the [[Anti-Americanism|anti-American]] [[Peace Companies|Mahdi Army]]. Kata'ib al-Imam Ali also appears to enjoy the favour of [[Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis]], leader of the Popular Mobilization Forces, who has at times even personally led the group into battle. Thanks to these links, Kata'ib al-Imam Ali is well-equipped and has been able to recruit veteran militants, allowing a "meteoric growth".<ref name="Jihad Intel"/><ref name="portrait" />
Kata'ib al-Imam Ali came into existence in June 2014 as the armed wing of the Harakat al-Iraq al-Islamiyah (Movement of the Islamic Iraq) party. While its emergence was linked to the large-scale Shia mobilization after the escalation of Iraq's Sunni Arab [[Iraqi insurgency (2011–13)|insurgency]] into a full-out civil war, Kata'ib al-Imam Ali is closely connected to older Iraqi Shia Islamist organizations, parties and militias, as well as to the Iranian [[Quds Force]]. The group's secretary general Shibl al-Zaydi is affiliated with the [[Sadrist Movement]], and was at one point member of the [[Anti-Americanism|anti-American]] [[Peace Companies|Mahdi Army]]. Kata'ib al-Imam Ali also appears to enjoy the favour of [[Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis]], leader of the Popular Mobilization Forces, who has at times even personally led the group into battle. Thanks to these links, Kata'ib al-Imam Ali is well-equipped and has been able to recruit veteran militants, allowing a "meteoric growth".<ref name="Jihad Intel"/><ref name="portrait" />


Notably, Kata'ib al-Imam Ali has also attempted to rally [[Iraqi Assyrians|Syriac Christian Assyrians]] to its cause since its formation, based on a purported affinity between Shia Islam and Christians and the supposed betrayal of the Iraqi Christians by [[Iraqi Kurdistan]] in course of the [[Fall of Mosul]]. In line with these attempts, the group has formed its own, though minor, Christian unit, the "Spirit of God Jesus Son of Mary Battalions".<ref name="Christian"/>
Notably, Kata'ib al-Imam Ali has also attempted to rally [[Iraqi Assyrians|Christian Assyrians]] to its cause since its formation, based on a purported affinity between Shia Islam and Christians and the supposed betrayal of the Iraqi Christians by [[Iraqi Kurdistan]] in course of the [[Fall of Mosul]]. In line with these attempts, the group formed its own, though minor, Christian unit, the [[Kataib Rouh Allah Issa Ibn Miriam]], or "Spirit of God Jesus Son of Mary Battalions".<ref name="Christian"/>


In late 2014, one of the group's commanders, [[Abu Azrael]], gained prominence after appearing in the media armed with axes, swords and machine guns.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-31913278 {{"'}}The Archangel of Death' fighting Islamic State"]. BBC News. 17 March 2015.</ref>
In late 2014, one of the group's commanders, [[Abu Azrael]], gained prominence after appearing in the media armed with axes, swords and machine guns.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-31913278 {{"'}}The Archangel of Death' fighting Islamic State"]. BBC News. 17 March 2015.</ref>
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==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Shia Islam|Iraq|Asia|War}}
{{Portal|Shia Islam|Iraq|Asia}}
* [[Popular Mobilization Forces]]
* [[Popular Mobilization Forces]]
* [[List of armed groups in the Iraqi Civil War]]
* [[List of armed groups in the War in Iraq (2013–2017)|List of armed groups in the War in Iraq]]
* [[Holy Shrine Defender]]
* [[Holy Shrine Defender]]
* [[List of military units named after people]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
{{Popular Mobilization Forces}}
{{Popular Mobilization Forces}}
{{Armed Iraqi groups in the Iraq War and the Iraq Civil War}}
{{Armed groups in the Iraqi conflict}}
{{Syrian Civil War}}
{{Syrian Civil War}}
{{Militant Islamism}}
{{Militant Islamism}}


[[Category:Anti-Israeli sentiment in Iraq]]
[[Category:Anti-ISIL factions in Iraq]]
[[Category:Anti-ISIL factions in Iraq]]
[[Category:Anti-ISIL factions in Syria]]
[[Category:Anti-ISIL factions in Syria]]
[[Category:Popular Mobilization Forces]]
[[Category:Factions of the Popular Mobilization Forces]]
[[Category:Pro-government factions of the Syrian civil war]]
[[Category:Pro-government factions of the Syrian civil war]]
[[Category:Shia Islamist groups]]
[[Category:Shia Islamist groups]]

Latest revision as of 14:15, 17 December 2024

Kata'ib al-Imam Ali
كتائب الإمام علي
Leaders
Dates of operationJune 2014 – present[2]
Allegiance Iraq
Group(s)
Active regionsIraq
Syria
IdeologyShia Islamism[2]
Wilayat al Faqih
Anti-Americanism[2]
Anti-Zionism
Part of
AlliesState allies

Non-state allies

Opponents Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
Kurdistan Region Peshmerga (2017–)[8]
Battles and warsWar in Iraq (2014–2017)

Syrian Civil War

Kata'ib al-Imam Ali (Arabic: كتائب الإمام علي, Kataʾib al-ʾImām ʿAlīy), also known as the Imam Ali Battalions, are the armed wing of the Islamic Movement of Iraq (Harakat al-Iraq al-Islamiyah) and serve as part of the umbrella organization "Popular Mobilization Forces". Kata'ib al-Imam Ali is prominently involved in the War in Iraq, fighting against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).[14]

History

[edit]

Kata'ib al-Imam Ali came into existence in June 2014 as the armed wing of the Harakat al-Iraq al-Islamiyah (Movement of the Islamic Iraq) party. While its emergence was linked to the large-scale Shia mobilization after the escalation of Iraq's Sunni Arab insurgency into a full-out civil war, Kata'ib al-Imam Ali is closely connected to older Iraqi Shia Islamist organizations, parties and militias, as well as to the Iranian Quds Force. The group's secretary general Shibl al-Zaydi is affiliated with the Sadrist Movement, and was at one point member of the anti-American Mahdi Army. Kata'ib al-Imam Ali also appears to enjoy the favour of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, leader of the Popular Mobilization Forces, who has at times even personally led the group into battle. Thanks to these links, Kata'ib al-Imam Ali is well-equipped and has been able to recruit veteran militants, allowing a "meteoric growth".[1][2]

Notably, Kata'ib al-Imam Ali has also attempted to rally Christian Assyrians to its cause since its formation, based on a purported affinity between Shia Islam and Christians and the supposed betrayal of the Iraqi Christians by Iraqi Kurdistan in course of the Fall of Mosul. In line with these attempts, the group formed its own, though minor, Christian unit, the Kataib Rouh Allah Issa Ibn Miriam, or "Spirit of God Jesus Son of Mary Battalions".[3]

In late 2014, one of the group's commanders, Abu Azrael, gained prominence after appearing in the media armed with axes, swords and machine guns.[15]

In 2015, Kata'ib al-Imam Ali began to send its fighters to Syria, allegedly to protect the Sayyidah Zaynab Shrine,[1] and participated in the Second Battle of Tikrit.[9] In early 2016, its fighters were involved in the Syrian government offensive to reconquer Palmyra and Tadmur from ISIL,[11] and later that year, Kata'ib al-Imam Ali took part in the Battle of Mosul[10] and the Aleppo offensive (November–December 2016).[12]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Kata'ib al-Imam Ali". Jihad Intel. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Kataib al-Imam Ali: Portrait of an Iraqi Shiite Militant Group Fighting ISIS". Washington Institute for Near East Policy. 5 January 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
  3. ^ a b Aymenn Al-Tamimi (31 December 2014). "Sample Concepts of a Christian-Shi'a Alliance in Iraq". Syria Comment. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  4. ^ Aboufadel, Leith (14 March 2016). "Tiger Forces liberate Hill 800 in west Palmyra". Al-Masdar Al-'Arabi (The Arab Source). Archived from the original on 10 May 2019. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  5. ^ Phillip Smyth (29 May 2015). "Iraqi Shiite Foreign Fighters on the Rise Again in Syria". Washington Institute.
  6. ^ "قوات الحشد الشعبي تطهر القرى الواقعة بين خط اللاين وشارع الحمرة".
  7. ^ Aboufadel, Leith (15 May 2017). "Syrian government, Iraqi reinforcements reach southeast Damascus for upcoming offensive". Al-Masdar Al-'Arabi (The Arab Source). Archived from the original on 19 August 2019. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  8. ^ "Kurdish and Iraqi forces, militias clash in northern Iraq". FDD's Long War Journal. 26 October 2017.
  9. ^ a b "Iranian-backed Shiite militias lead Iraq's fight to retake Tikrit". FDD's Long War Journal. 4 March 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  10. ^ a b Amir Toumaj (4 November 2016). "Iraqi PMF attempts to cut off Islamic State in Mosul". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
  11. ^ a b Leith Fadel (14 March 2016). "Tiger Forces liberate Hill 800 in west Palmyra". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 10 May 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  12. ^ a b Amir Toumaj (9 December 2016). "Array of pro-Syrian government forces advances in Aleppo". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
  13. ^ "Syrian government, Iraqi reinforcements reach southeast Damascus for upcoming offensive". 15 May 2017. Archived from the original on 19 August 2019. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  14. ^ "Iraqi Popular Forces Warn to Disclose Coalition's Support for ISIL". Islamic Invitation Turkey. 1 March 2015. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
  15. ^ "'The Archangel of Death' fighting Islamic State". BBC News. 17 March 2015.
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