Saraya al-Ashtar (Al-Ashtar Brigades) is an armed Shiite organization and the most prominent group engaged in armed actions against the ruling regime in Bahrain. The organization, which follows a religious and political ideology opposing the government, seeks to overthrow the political system in Bahrain, accusing it of violating the rights of the Shiite community in the country. The organization has carried out about 80 operations, ranging from small and limited actions to large operations such as the bombing in Daih, the attack on Jau prison, and the assassination of officer Hisham al-Hamadi. Since 2013, Saraya al-Ashtar has been the most active among five armed groups that have declared their presence in Bahrain, alongside Saraya Waad Allah, Saraya al-Mukhtar, Saraya Thar Allah, and Saraya al-Muqawama al-Sha’biya.
