The United States Embassy in Baghdad has issued a security alert urging American citizens to leave Iraq immediately, citing escalating threats from Iran-aligned militias and ongoing attacks targeting U.S.-linked facilities and infrastructure.
In a security advisory issued on Saturday, March 14, the embassy stated that Iran-aligned armed groups have carried out attacks against American citizens and U.S.-associated targets across the country, including in the Kurdistan region.
According to the alert, the militants have repeatedly targeted areas housing diplomatic missions and foreign facilities, including the heavily fortified International Zone in central Baghdad.
“The International Zone remains closed, with limited exceptions,” the advisory stated, adding that repeated attacks have also occurred near Erbil International Airport and the U.S. Consulate General.
The embassy warned Americans not to attempt to travel to diplomatic compounds in Baghdad or Erbil due to the continued threat posed by rockets, drones, and mortars.
United States says attacks target U.S. interests
The advisory reiterates the U.S. State Department’s Level 4 travel warning for Iraq, which instructs citizens not to travel to the country because of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the limited ability of the U.S. government to provide emergency services.
“U.S. citizens should leave Iraq immediately,” the alert said. “U.S. citizens who choose to remain in Iraq are encouraged to reconsider their decision given the significant threat posed by Iran-aligned terrorist militias.”
The embassy said Iran-aligned groups have targeted U.S. diplomatic facilities, companies, and energy infrastructure, as well as hotels frequented by foreign nationals.
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Americans in Iraq also face a risk of kidnapping, the alert warned, adding that some individuals have been directly targeted by armed groups.
Authorities also reported repeated attacks against the International Zone in Baghdad, an area that hosts government institutions and foreign embassies.
The U.S. mission noted that Iraqi authorities have restricted access to the zone and warned that the threat of rocket and drone attacks continues across Iraqi airspace.
Riots and protests against the United States have also occurred in parts of Baghdad, particularly around the 14 July Bridge and Tahrir Square, according to the alert.
Embassy operations in Iraq suspended
The U.S. mission said it has already implemented the ordered departure of all non-essential government personnel assigned to Iraq.
Routine consular services at the U.S. Embassy Baghdad and the U.S. Consulate General Erbil have also been suspended.
Officials said Americans still in the country should maintain contact with family members, keep travel documents accessible, and remain under cover as much as possible in the event of attacks.
The embassy urged citizens to avoid protests, maintain a low profile, and stay alert to communications from local authorities.
“Nothing is a higher priority… than the safety and security of U.S. citizens,” the advisory stated.
The embassy said it will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as the security situation evolves.
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Commercial flights are currently not operating from Iraq, leaving land routes as the main option for Americans seeking to leave the country.
The U.S. government said most border crossings to neighbouring countries remain open but could close with little notice.
Potential exit routes include travel by land to neighbouring states such as Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. From Jordan, flights are operating from Queen Alia International Airport, though disruptions remain possible.
Flights from Kuwait are currently suspended due to the risk of rocket and drone attacks, while commercial flights are operating from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
U.S. citizens planning to travel through Turkey are advised to monitor security updates because areas near the Iraqi border are designated as Level 4 “Do Not Travel” zones.
