US Embassy tells Americans in Iraq to shelter in place

BAGHDAD — The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert Saturday advising American citizens in Iraq to exercise increased caution, limit movements and be prepared to shelter in place, warning that evacuation assistance from the U.S. government should not be counted on.

“The security environment remains complex and can change quickly,” the alert said, citing “reports of missiles, drones, or rockets in Iraqi airspace.” It advised citizens to “review your personal security plan and evaluate options to shelter in place or depart Iraq should the situation deteriorate,” adding: “These plans should not rely on the U.S. government for departure assistance or evacuation.”

The embassy and U.S. Consulate General in Erbil remain open but are limiting operations to critical functions. All mission personnel able to work remotely have been directed to do so. Consular services, including walk-in hours for American citizen services, are suspended.

The State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Iraq. Americans in the country were urged to keep phones charged, avoid large gatherings, stock essential supplies and monitor local media.

The alert follows coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier Saturday and subsequent Iranian missile and drone launches toward U.S. military facilities across the region, including in Iraq. Missiles targeting sites near Erbil International Airport were intercepted, airstrikes hit Jurf al-Nasr in Babil killing two people, and several Iraqi armed factions have warned of imminent attacks on U.S. bases.