Career
As head of the Special Groups, Khazali directed arms smuggling, formation of death squads to participate in sectarian violence, kidnappings, and assassinations, most notably the January 20, 2007 attack on American forces in Karbala. During his incarceration Akram al-Kabi became acting commander of the organisation until his release. Khazali was released in January 2010, in exchange for the release of Peter Moore, who had been kidnapped by Asa"ib Ahl al-Haq.
In December that year, notorious special groups commanders Abu Deraa and Mustafa al-Sheibani were allowed to return to Iraq and declared they would be working with Khazali after their return.
