The US embassy warns of possible attacks in central Baghdad within 48 hours.

The US embassy in Baghdad warned on Thursday of the possibility of attacks by “Iranian-backed militias” in the center of the capital within 24 to 48 hours, urging US citizens to leave Iraq “immediately”.

The embassy said in a security alert posted on its official social media account that “Iraqi terrorist militias allied with Iran may be planning attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours,” noting that these groups may target American citizens and US-related interests inside Iraq, including businesses, universities, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, and airports.

She added that potential attacks could also target Iraqi institutions and civilian targets, noting that militias have “targeted Americans for kidnapping” in previous incidents.

The embassy stated that the Iraqi government “has not been able to prevent terrorist attacks” that occur within or originate from Iraqi territory, noting that some members of those groups may carry identification documents claiming they are employees of the Iraqi government.

She confirmed that the US mission in Iraq is continuing its work despite the mandatory departure of some staff, in order to provide assistance to American citizens, while warning against going to the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil because of “ongoing security risks, including missiles, drones and rockets.”

The embassy renewed its Level 4 travel warning, stressing: “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave immediately if you are there.”

The embassy accompanied its warning with an illustrative image bearing the phrase “Travel Warning: Level 4 – Do Not Travel,” directing the message to American citizens to leave Iraq and avoid traveling there.

Shafaq.com