A video surfaced showing the group attacking Syrian workers in Iraq. The footage depicted three masked militia members beating and threatening Syrians, accusing them of supporting HTS.[4][5] One of the militia members was seen carrying a pistol.[5]
The group has stated it will take action on perpetrators of violence against Syrian Alawites, citing government inaction as justification.[6] The group also said that it will "pursue all Syrians who support Jolani and expel them from the country."[1]
The group claimed that it "followed" the activities of Iraqi Syrians on social media who "praised" the rule of Syria's president Ahmed Al-Shara and the Syrian security forces operations against Assad loyalists.[5]
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani condemned the group's attack, and called it a “shameful acts of violence against a number of Syrian brothers working in Iraq.”[7] He has ordered the formation of a security team to track down people responsible for “committing disgraceful acts of violence” against them."[4] Iraqi security forces have also arrested at least 13 people for "promoting terrorist groups" and "supporting" mass killings of Syrian Alawities.[3]
Accounts on social media have claimed that the group is affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces.[2]
In a video clip featuring the image of the former leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah,[8] Abbas Shield Martyrdom Forces, Ya Ali Popular Formations and the Kataib Sarkhat al-Quds have threatened to take action in Syria and against the United States.[9]
Iraq
Popular Mobilization Forces (alleged)[2]
Abbas Shield Martyrdom Forces
Syria