Turkish foreign minister and former spymaster Hakan Fidan visited Iraq on August 22-24. With discussions in Baghdad and Erbil, Fidan met with the Iraqi president, prime minister and several Iraqi politicians. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs showcased Fidan’s visits in a photo gallery on their website. However, the ministry omitted Fidan’s meeting with Qais Al-Khazali, leader of the Iran-backed Iraqi Shiite militia Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq who was designated as a terrorist by the US in 2019. Similarly, the Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency did not report on the controversial meeting.

Khazali is the founder and secretary general of the Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq party also known as the Khazali Network. This political group, aligned with Iran and a member of the pro-shite Fatah Alliance, exerts influence within the Iraqi Shia community. Their involvement spans significant periods such as the Iraq War and the Syrian Civil War.

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Khazali is a notable figure recognized for his leadership within the Iran-backed Special Groups in Iraq. His prominent role extended from June 2006 until his capture by British forces in March 2007. As head of the Special Groups, Khazali is accused of being responsible for directing arms transport, forming squads for combat engagements and overseeing insurgent operations. Among the significant incidents attributed to his leadership was the attack on American forces in Karbala on January 20, 2007.

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