US Offers $10M Reward for Iraqi Militia Leader Linked to Attacks

The United States State Department has announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the capture or identification of a senior Iraqi militia leader accused of involvement in attacks on American and allied targets in the Middle East.

The reward targets Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, who is identified as the leader of the Iran-backed armed group Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), which Washington designates as a terrorist organisation.

The announcement was made through the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme, which stated that individuals who provide credible information on al-Saraji’s whereabouts may also be eligible for relocation assistance in addition to the financial reward.

U.S. authorities say the group has carried out attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq, including sites in Baghdad, as well as strikes on American military bases and personnel in both Iraq and Syria. Washington also accuses KSS of involvement in violence against Iraqi civilians, describing it as part of a wider network of Iran-aligned militias operating across Iraq and the region.

Al-Saraji is also linked to Iraq’s powerful Coordination Framework, a Shiite political alliance that holds significant influence in the country’s parliamentary system.

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The reward forms part of a broader U.S. strategy of increasing pressure on Iran-backed militias in Iraq, which Washington says continue to destabilise the country and threaten regional security. In recent months, the United States has urged Baghdad to tighten financial controls, restrict militia funding, and improve oversight of security-related spending.

The move follows similar action earlier this month when Washington offered a reward for a commander linked to Kataib Hezbollah, another Iran-aligned armed group operating in Iraq.

Iraq remains a key flashpoint in wider U.S.–Iran tensions, with multiple armed groups operating alongside official state security forces. Although the country has seen relative stability in recent years, the continued presence of powerful militias outside full government control remains a major security and governance challenge.

These armed groups have previously been accused of targeting the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, the diplomatic zone at Baghdad International Airport, and foreign-owned energy installations in Iraq.

There has been no immediate response from KSS or Iraqi authorities regarding the U.S. announcement. However, similar reward offers and sanctions measures have previously been criticised by militia-linked political actors in Iraq, who often describe them as interference in domestic affairs.

Analysts say the latest move reflects Washington’s broader approach of combining financial incentives, intelligence gathering, and sanctions pressure to disrupt militia networks across the Middle East.

US Offers $10M Reward for Iraqi Militia Leader Linked to Attacks

No Nuclear Strike on Iran, Trump Reaffirms US Military Strategy

US President Donald Trump has ruled out the possibility of a nuclear strike on Iran, insisting that the United States has no need to consider nuclear weapons in its approach to the ongoing tensions with Tehran.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the U.S. has already achieved significant results using conventional military capability, arguing that there is no justification for escalating to nuclear warfare.

“Why would I use a nuclear weapon when we’ve totally, in a very conventional way, decimated them without it?” he said, while stressing that nuclear weapons should never be used under any circumstances.

The remarks come amid heightened geopolitical tension in the Middle East, where the United States continues to maintain pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme, regional influence, and security concerns.

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Trump reiterated that his administration’s strategy focuses on conventional deterrence, military readiness, and diplomatic pressure, rather than nuclear escalation.

He also emphasised that nuclear weapons remain a last-resort option that should never be part of active military planning, regardless of the level of conflict.

The comments reflect ongoing U.S. efforts to manage the volatile U.S.–Iran relations, which have been marked by sanctions, military posturing, and intermittent diplomatic engagement.

Washington has continued to monitor Iran’s activities closely, particularly in relation to its nuclear capabilities and regional military operations, while maintaining a mix of pressure and negotiation channels.

Analysts say Trump’s statement is aimed at reassuring both domestic and international audiences that the United States is not considering any form of nuclear escalation, even as tensions persist in the region.

The U.S. position underscores a broader strategy of relying on conventional military strength and diplomatic leverage to contain threats while avoiding actions that could trigger catastrophic global consequences.

No Nuclear Strike on Iran, Trump Reaffirms US Military Strategy

Denmark Train Collision Near Copenhagen Leaves Five Critically Injured

A serious train collision in Denmark has left five passengers critically injured and 13 others wounded after two passenger trains crashed head-on on a level crossing north-west of Copenhagen in one of the country’s most severe recent rail accidents.

The crash occurred at about 06:29 local time (05:29 BST) on Thursday along the railway line linking Hillerød and Kagerup in the North Zealand region. Police confirmed that 37 passengers were on board the two trains when the collision happened.

Emergency responders, including police, firefighters, and medical teams, were quickly deployed to the scene after the incident was reported. Rescue operations lasted several hours as crews worked to evacuate passengers from the damaged trains and secure the area.

Medical officials confirmed that five people sustained critical injuries, while 13 others suffered less serious injuries. The critically injured victims were transported by helicopter and ambulance to the National Hospital in Copenhagen for urgent treatment.

Local mayor Trine Egetved described the incident as deeply shocking, noting that the affected rail line is widely used by commuters, students, and workers. She said it was alarming that two trains could collide head-on and stressed the importance of preventing a repeat of such an incident.

Authorities confirmed that all injured passengers were transported to hospital either by air rescue or emergency ambulance services, depending on the severity of their condition.

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Investigation launched into cause of crash

The Danish Accident Investigation Board has launched a full inquiry into the cause of the collision, working alongside police and railway operators. Officials have stressed that it is still too early to determine exactly what happened.

Inspector Morten Pedersen of North Zealand police said investigators are examining all possible scenarios, while railway experts are reviewing technical data from the scene.

According to preliminary assessments, investigators are considering potential causes such as a failure in the signalling system or human error, including the possibility of a train passing a stop signal.

Rail safety officials from operator Lokaltog, including safety director Claus Pedersen, described the crash as “one of the worst we can imagine in the railway industry,” adding that several railway staff were also injured.

He said investigators are currently analysing data from the trains and signalling systems to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision.

Rare but serious rail incident in Denmark

Rail accidents are uncommon in Denmark, where the railway network is generally considered safe and well-regulated. However, experts have raised questions about whether automated safety systems on the Gribskov line may have contributed to the incident.

Some rail analysts suggest that one train may have entered the wrong track after a signal override, though this has not been confirmed by authorities.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed concern over the incident, describing it as a “terrible train accident” and offering support to those affected.

Authorities have confirmed that a comprehensive safety review of the rail line will follow once the investigation progresses, with early findings expected in the coming weeks.

Denmark Train Collision Near Copenhagen Leaves Five Critically Injured