An alleged member of an Iran-backed militia pleaded not guilty on Monday to US criminal charges that he was involved in multiple attacks against American interests in Europe, proclaiming in a courtroom outburst, “I am not ​a criminal.”

Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi spoke in Manhattan federal court after ​his lawyer, Andrew Dalack, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf to ⁠eight counts, including conspiracy to provide material support to Kata’ib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia ​the US considers a terrorist organisation.

“I am not guilty, and we are in a war situation,” ​Al-Saadi said through an Arabic interpreter.

“Children are being killed by your rockets,” Al-Saadi added, gesturing in front of him toward where US District Judge Colleen McMahon and prosecutors with the Manhattan US Attorney’s office were ​seated.

Al-Saadi did not say if he was referring to a specific incident.

A February 28 strike ​at a girls’ school in Iran killed more than 175 children and teachers, Iranian officials say.

Reuters has reported ‌that an ⁠initial, internal US military investigation showed US forces were likely responsible, citing two US officials.

The Pentagon has not acknowledged any preliminary findings. A Pentagon spokesperson said on Monday that the investigation was still ongoing.

Al-Saadi wore a beige prison outfit and was shackled at his feet at Monday’s hearing.

As he ​spoke, McMahon raised her ​voice and ordered ⁠that he be seated.

Two US marshals who had been sitting behind Al-Saadi approached the defence table, and he sat down as they arrived.

Al-Saadi ​was taken into US custody in Turkey last month, amid heightened ​US scrutiny ⁠of Iran-backed militias accused of targeting American personnel and allies across multiple regions since the US and Israel went to war against Iran.

US prosecutors say Kata’ib Hezbollah is directed by Iran’s Islamic ⁠Revolutionary Guard Corps.

They ​said Al-Saadi helped plan approximately 18 attacks in Europe ​in recent months, not all of which occurred, and in March and April, plotted attacks in the United States, ​including against a New York synagogue.