Photo: Alamy
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday warned American citizens to leave Iraq immediately as tensions rise following escalating strikes between the United States, Israel and Iran.
“Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours,” the embassy said in a statement, adding that such groups have previously targeted U.S. citizens and facilities across Iraq, including the Kurdistan region.
“They may intend to target U.S. citizens, businesses, universities, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports, and other locations perceived to be associated with the United States,” the statement said. “Terrorist militias have targeted Americans for kidnapping. U.S. citizens should leave Iraq now.”
The statement also noted, “The Iraqi government has not prevented terrorist attacks in or from Iraqi territory. Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups may claim to be associated with the Iraqi government. Terrorists may carry identification denoting their status as Iraqi government employees.”
The warning comes days after the reported abduction of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, whom U.S. officials have linked to the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah.
Embassy officials advised Americans who remain in Iraq to maintain contact with family, keep travel documents accessible and stock essential supplies. They also urged citizens to avoid demonstrations, monitor official guidance and remain alert to their surroundings.
Iraq’s airspace remains closed, with no commercial flights operating from the country. Officials recommended overland travel routes through neighboring countries, including Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, while warning that border conditions may change quickly.
The alert follows a series of missile and drone attacks across the region. U.S. diplomatic sites, including facilities in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, have reported impacts or disruptions tied to Iranian retaliation for recent U.S. and Israeli strikes.
Officials said Americans who choose to remain in Iraq “are doing so at significant risk,” as concerns grow over further escalation and potential attacks on civilian and diplomatic targets.