Linking Iran-backed Iraqi militias to violence that has killed over 400 Iraqi protesters, the State and Treasury departments announced that the United States will impose sanctions on three militia leaders for gross human rights abuses as well as a Sunni businessman for allegedly bribing officials.

“The Iraqi people want their country back,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement announcing the designations. “They are calling for genuine reform and accountability and for trustworthy leaders who will put Iraq’s national interests first. Those demands deserve to be addressed without resort to violence or suppression.” 

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia; his brother, Laith al-Khazali, another Asaib Ahl al-Haq leader; and Husayn Falih Aziz al-Lami. The three are leaders of “Iran-backed militias in Iraq that opened fire on peaceful protests, killing dozens of innocent civilians,” the Treasury Department said in a press release. Also designated was a Fallujah-based Sunni Iraqi businessman, Khamis Farhan al-Khanjar al-Issawi, for “bribing government officials and engaging in corruption at the expense of the Iraqi people.”

The top State Department Middle East official said three of the Iraqis designated today were directed by the Iranian regime to commit violence against protesters.