US Warns Citizens to Evacuate Iraq Over Imminent Security Threats

(MENAFN) The US Embassy in Baghdad issued an urgent advisory on Thursday, urging all American citizens to leave Iraq immediately due to potential attacks in the capital over the next one to two days.

According to the alert posted on the US social media platform X, Iran-backed Iraqi militias may be planning strikes in central Baghdad aimed at US nationals and interests. Possible targets include Americans, businesses, universities, diplomatic missions, energy facilities, hotels, airports, and Iraqi sites perceived as linked to the United States.

The embassy highlighted that these militias have a history of targeting Americans for kidnapping and strongly recommended that citizens depart without delay.

“Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave immediately if you are there,” the warning stated.

The advisory also emphasized that Iraqi authorities have struggled to prevent attacks both inside the country and originating from its territory, noting that some militia members “may have links to state institutions or carry official identification.”

The US accuses certain Iraqi militant groups of maintaining connections with Iran and of executing assaults on American bases across the region. Since February 28, US and Israeli air campaigns against Iran have reportedly caused over 1,340 fatalities, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting US military assets, leading to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.

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