This is an entry from: Live updates: US-Iran tensions after Qassem Soleimani's killing
US designates powerful Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq militia as terrorist group
3 January 2020 19:59 GMT
The United States designated Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), one of the top factions of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Units, as a foreign terrorist organisation (FTO).
In a statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also designated two of AAH's leaders, Qais and Laith al-Khazali, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
Last month, the US Treasury Department slapped sanctions on Qais al-Khazali, head of the AAH militia, for having "opened fire on peaceful protests, killing dozens of innocent civilians".
The Iranian-backed AAH has been accused of deploying snipers on rooftops in Baghdad during the protests.
Khazali has denied the accusation and insisted the militia has not participated in violence against protesters.