US embassy urges Americans to leave Iraq immediately as militia attacks intensify

BAGHDAD — The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert Saturday calling on all American citizens to leave Iraq immediately, warning that Iran-aligned militias are conducting indiscriminate attacks on U.S. citizens and interests across the country, including in the Kurdistan Region.

“Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there,” the embassy said, reiterating the Level 4: Do Not Travel designation for Iraq — the State Department’s most severe travel warning.

The alert came on Day 15 of the regional war between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has transformed Iraq into one of the conflict’s most active secondary theaters. Iran-aligned factions operating under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq umbrella have launched hundreds of drone, rocket and missile attacks on U.S.-linked targets, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure and hotels frequented by foreigners since fighting began Feb. 28.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was hit earlier today. 

The embassy said it has completed ordered departure for all non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Iraq. Routine consular services at both the Baghdad embassy and the Erbil consulate general have been suspended.

With Iraqi airspace closed and commercial flights suspended, the embassy said overland routes remain the only departure option, directing Americans toward border crossings into Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, while warning of significant delays. Commercial flights are operating out of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, though the embassy cautioned that airspace in neighboring countries may also be subject to disruption.

The alert warned of repeated militia strikes on the International Zone in central Baghdad and advised Americans to avoid protests near the July 14th Bridge and Tahrir Square, which have at times turned violent. “Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups have encouraged and conducted indiscriminate attacks on U.S. citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq,” it said, adding that individual Americans face a risk of kidnapping.

Americans in Iraq were directed to contact [email protected] or [email protected] in emergencies, or reach the State Department’s 24-hour task force at +1-202-501-4444 from abroad.