United States: Iranian-backed militias are planning attacks inside Iraq

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad warned on Tuesday that what it called “Iraqi terrorist militias allied with Iran” continue to plan attacks against American citizens and U.S.-related targets in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.

The embassy said in a security alert issued today that “Iraqi terrorist militias allied with Iran continue to plan additional attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S.-related targets throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,” adding that “certain entities associated with the Iraqi government continue to provide political, financial, and operational cover for these terrorist militias.”

The embassy confirmed that the travel warning for Iraq remains at level four, “Do Not Travel,” urging American citizens “not to travel to Iraq for any reason” and to “leave immediately” if they are in the country.

She noted that Iraqi airspace had been reopened with limited commercial flights operating, while warning of ongoing risks in the airspace including missiles, drones and projectiles.

She indicated that the US mission in Iraq continues its work despite the mandatory departure order, to provide assistance to American citizens, and called for not going to the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil due to security risks.

She also noted that all routine consular services, including visa services, remain suspended, while assistance for emergencies is being provided via email.

She explained that commercial flights are available from neighboring countries such as Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, in addition to land borders remaining open, with the need to adhere to travel guidelines and security alerts.

The embassy urged American citizens to take precautionary measures, including monitoring security updates, avoiding protest sites, maintaining emergency preparedness, and staying in constant contact with their families.

Shafaq.com