Feds say they thwarted alleged terror plot targeting L.A. Jewish institution

"“In the span of just three months, Mohammad Al-Saadi allegedly directed 18 terrorist attacks throughout Europe - including against United States citizens and interests - and planned to conduct a similar attack here in our country,” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. said in a statement."

"Federal authorities said Al-Saadi spoke to an undercover law enforcement officer on or about April 3 regarding his plans to kill people in the United States. Al-Saadi allegedly attempted to coordinate and carry out terrorist attacks targeting undisclosed Jewish institutions in New York, Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Ariz., in April and this month."

"Officials said the undercover sting thwarted a planned attack on a Manhattan synagogue and undisclosed Jewish sites, including in L.A.. Prosecutors allege Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi served as a commander for Kata'ib Hizballah and worked with Iran's Revolutionary Guard."

"Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, 32, is facing several terrorism-related charges alleging that he worked with Kata'ib Hizballah and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. attorney's office for the Southern District of New York. The federal Bureau of Prisons says he is currently jailed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn."

An Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, was arrested on terrorism-related charges. Federal authorities allege he served in a role with Kata'ib Hizballah and worked with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Prosecutors say he directed 18 terrorist attacks across Europe within three months, including attacks involving U.S. citizens and U.S. interests. Authorities also allege he planned a similar attack in the United States. An undercover operation stopped a planned attack on a Manhattan synagogue and other undisclosed Jewish sites, including locations in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona. Officials say he discussed using an improvised explosive device and attempted to coordinate attacks targeting Jewish institutions in April and again in the current month.

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