The U.S Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, issued a security alert on April 2 on the potential militia attack.
According to the Embassy, Iran-aligned Iraqi terrorist militias may intend to carry out attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours.
In addition to the threat attack, the Embassy stated that the Iranians and their militia terrorists have been carrying out attacks against the US citizens and their associates throughout Iraq.
“These actors may target U.S. citizens, companies, universities, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports, and other sites believed to be associated with the United States, in addition to Iraqi institutions and civilian targets,” part of the statement read.
The Embassy announced an immediate evacuation of the U.S citizens in Baghdad as the militia attackers were targeting the Americans for kidnapping.
In addition, Americans were urged not to approach the U.S Embassy in Baghdad or the Consulate General in Erbil due to ongoing security risks, including rockets, drones, and mortars in Iraqi airspace.
Further, the Embassy warned that the militia groups may be linked to the Government of Iraq, and some terrorists may carry Iraqi government-issued identification documents indicating employment with the Government of Iraq.
The US Mission in Iraq continues to operate despite the ordered departure of some staff to assist US citizens in Iraq.
“Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave immediately if you are there,” US State Department’s highest-level travel advisory for Iraq, Level 4 stated.
Also Read: Top Iranian Adviser Wounded, Wife Killed in Strike on Tehran Home Amid Ongoing Talks
Departure options for US Citizens
According to the Embassy, Americans in Iraq can depart via ground routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, as the airspace is closed and there are no available commercial flights from Iraq.
However, the Embassy stated that the travelers should expect delays and urged them to use the local transportation available to use the open routes for immediate departure.
In addition, the flight prices in the region, according to the Embassy, are likely to be significantly higher than usual, fully booked, or subject to delays and cancellations at short notice.
Royal Jordanian Airlines had earlier announced the launch of a new direct overland transport service for Iraqi passengers from Baghdad to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, effective March 30.
The Embassy also stated that there will be Visas on arrival at the land border crossing with Iraq. It urged the Americans to apply for a visa using the eVisa Application through the Ministry of Interior to speed up the process at the border.
Also Read: Trump Vows Final Blows Against Iran, Lasting Weeks in Primetime Warning
Iran’s Response to Trump’s Threat Attacks
In his address on April 1, Trump threatened to take Iran back to the Stone Age if a deal was not made between the two states.
In response to the threat by Trump, the Khatam-al Anbiya military command headquarters states that the US and Israel’s understanding of Iran’s military power is incomplete.
“Your information about our military power and equipment is incomplete. You know nothing about our vast and strategic capabilities,” a spokesperson for the command said in a statement covered by the Tasnim news agency.
Iran has promised to continue with the war until the enemies surrender, adding that the Iranian strategic production takes place that neither Trump nor Israel could destroy.
Additionally, the spokesman warned of more crushing, broader, and destructive actions against the United States and Israel.
