New security warning: America tells its citizens in Iraq: Leave now.
New security warning: America tells its citizens in Iraq: Leave now.
2026-03-15 03:53
Shafaq News – Baghdad
The US Embassy in Baghdad issued a new security alert on Sunday, urging US citizens to leave Iraq immediately, due to escalating threats and attacks targeting interests and individuals in the country.
The embassy statement, which was received by Shafaq News Agency, said that “Iranian-backed terrorist militias have instigated and carried out indiscriminate attacks against American citizens and US-related targets throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,” calling on American citizens to leave the country immediately.
The statement added that these groups have repeatedly attacked the Green Zone in Baghdad, which remains closed with limited exceptions, noting that there have been repeated attacks in the vicinity of Erbil International Airport and the US Consulate in Erbil.
The embassy also reiterated its Level 4 travel warning for Iraq, “Do Not Travel,” noting that the country faces significant risks including terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest, in addition to the limited ability of the U.S. government to provide emergency services to its citizens inside Iraq.
The embassy confirmed that American citizens face the risk of kidnapping, noting that some American individuals have been directly targeted, and that the activity of these groups may hinder the ability of Iraqi authorities to respond effectively in emergencies.
Regarding departures, the statement explained that Iraqi airspace is currently closed and there are no commercial flights operating from the country, noting that departure is possible via land routes towards Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, despite the expectation of long delays at border crossings.
The statement noted that the US mission in Iraq had already completed the evacuation of non-essential government personnel, stressing that “the safety and security of US citizens is a top priority for President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the US State Department.”
The embassy urged its citizens to register their data in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates, maintain contact with their families, ensure the validity of their travel documents, and provide basic supplies of food, water, and medicine in anticipation of any emergency.
shafaq.com
