Fouad Makhzoumi

Lebanon’s MP & PM Candidate · @fmakhzoumi

“Terrorism spares no nation, no society and no innocent people. As Lebanese, we know the devastating cost of extremism and instability. This is why major counterterrorism operations such as these deserve recognition and support. We commend the United States and all intelligence, security and military personnel involved in confronting threats that endanger global peace and human lives.”

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In a decisive and welcome step that strengthens global counterterrorism efforts and supports the path to lasting regional peace, U.S. authorities have arrested and brought to justice Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi — a senior Iraqi national and high-ranking commander in the U.S.-designated terrorist organization Kata’ib Hizballah. The arrest, carried out overseas in coordination with international partners and announced on May 15, 2026, marks a major victory against Iran’s network of proxies that have long fueled violence and undermined stability across the Middle East.

Al-Saadi was transferred into U.S. custody, transported to New York, and presented before a federal magistrate judge in Manhattan — appearing in handcuffs and ordered detained pending trial on six serious terrorism-related charges.

Sebastian Gorka DrG @SebGorka

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Late Thursday night, @FBI agents landed at New York Stewart International Airport with Mohammad al-Saadi in handcuffs. Al-Saadi, the leader of an Iran-backed Iraqi terror group, is allegedly responsible for more than 20 attacks across Europe and Canada — and for planning attacks in the U.S.

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Jose Enrique Martinez Flores (“Chuqui”), the highest-ranking Tren de Aragua leader ever extradited to the U.S., also just landed in shackles. Flores allegedly oversaw TdA’s drug trafficking, extortion rackets, prostitution rings and murder operations.

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Last night, in an operation that makes “any fictional representation look amateurish,” American operators working with local Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal-al-Minuki, the second-in-command for ISIS global operations — a man with the blood of countless innocents on his hands, including many Christians.

We salute the intelligence professionals, Law Enforcement Officers, Diplomats, Military operators and support personnel who make these operations possible 24/7.

@WhiteHouse @DeptofWar @TheJusticeDept @StateDept @realDonaldTrump

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By dismantling a key operative in these networks, the United States is not only protecting its own citizens and allies but also removing obstacles to the broader peace process now gaining momentum between Israel and Lebanon. Iran’s proxies, whether in Iraq or Lebanon, have historically thrived on chaos and fear. Actions like this arrest weaken their ability to sabotage diplomatic progress, border security agreements, and citizen-to-citizen confidence-building.

As U.S.-facilitated talks extend the April 2026 cessation of hostilities and launch parallel political and security tracks, neutralizing terror threats like Al-Saadi’s plots reinforces the foundation for genuine sovereignty, mutual recognition, and secure borders. Lebanon, in particular, stands to benefit as the grip of Iranian-backed militias loosens — allowing the Lebanese state and people to reclaim full control and pursue the peaceful, prosperous future they deserve.