US urges citizens to leave Iraq immediately

On April 2, the US Embassy in Baghdad warned that Iran-linked armed groups may carry out attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24–48 hours, urging American citizens to leave Iraq, the embassy announced.

“Iranian-linked terrorist groups may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24–48 hours. Iran and its affiliated terrorist formations have carried out large-scale attacks against US citizens and US-related facilities across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region (KRI). They may target US citizens, businesses, universities, diplomatic missions, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports, and other sites perceived to be associated with the United States, as well as Iraqi institutions and civilian objects. Terrorist groups have kidnapped Americans. 

US citizens should leave Iraq immediately. The Iraqi government is not preventing terrorist attacks inside the country or beyond. Iran-linked terrorist groups may claim support from the Iraqi government and may present identification showing their status as Iraqi officials. The US mission in Iraq continues to operate normally despite orders to relocate staff to assist US citizens in Iraq. Do not attempt to access the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil due to significant security risks,” the embassy said.

By Jeyhun Aghazada