Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

US Embassy in Baghdad Calls for Immediate Evacuation of American Citizens


(MENAFN) The US Embassy in Baghdad on Saturday advised American citizens in Iraq to depart the country “immediately” in light of escalating security concerns.

In a security alert, the embassy warned that “Iran-aligned terrorist militias” have actively encouraged and carried out attacks against US citizens and US-linked facilities throughout Iraq, including areas under the Kurdish Regional Government on the International Zone in central Baghdad, which remains closed to most traffic, as well as attacks near Erbil International Airport and the US Consulate General in the city.

The embassy advised Americans not to attempt travel to either the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil due to ongoing risks from rockets, drones, and other projectiles operating in Iraqi airspace.

It reiterated its Level 4 travel advisory—Do Not Travel—for the country, noting that “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict and civil unrest pose significant risks and that the US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to Americans in the country.” The alert warned: “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there.”

The warning comes amid heightened regional tensions following joint strikes by Israel and the United States against Iran on Feb. 28, which reportedly killed over 1,200 people, including the country’s then-supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

In retaliation, Iran has carried out a series of drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets, according to reports.

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