The United States Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday issued an urgent warning, saying Iran-linked militia groups could carry out attacks in central parts of the Iraqi capital within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The alert comes amid rising tensions in the region, with American authorities cautioning that US citizens and facilities in Iraq remain at serious risk from repeated attacks by Iran and allied groups.
In a message posted on X, the embassy said such groups “may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours,” urging heightened caution.
According to the advisory, Iran and its aligned militias have previously carried out widespread attacks on American citizens and US-linked targets across Iraq, including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
“Iran and Iran-aligned terrorist militias have conducted widespread attacks against US citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR),” as per the advisory.
The embassy made it clear that the danger is spread wide. It said Americans, along with places like businesses, universities, diplomatic offices, energy sites, hotels and even airports, could all be in the line of fire. It added that any location seen as linked to the United States may also be vulnerable.
Kidnapping risk raises alarm
The advisory also pointed to the risk of kidnappings, warning that militant groups have in the past gone after Americans for abduction.
It further warned that some of these groups may present themselves as part of the Iraqi authorities, carrying identification that suggests they are government employees.
“The Iraqi government has not prevented terrorist attacks in or from Iraqi territory,” the embassy said.
Even as the embassy continues to operate under an ordered departure status to assist citizens, it advised Americans to avoid visiting diplomatic facilities in Baghdad and the Consulate General in Erbil due to security concerns.
Reiterating its highest-level travel warning, the US State Department urged citizens not to travel to Iraq under any circumstances and to leave immediately if they are already in the country.
“The US Embassy in Iraq reminds US citizens of the Level 4: Do Not Travel warning for Iraq. US citizens are advised: ‘Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there,” the advisory stated, adding that those who choose to stay are doing so at significant risk.
Flights halted, land routes open for evacuation
In its latest update, the US Department of State’s Consular Affairs division said Iraqi airspace is currently closed, with no commercial flights operating.
However, it noted that land routes to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkiye remain open, though travellers should expect long delays.
Local transport within Iraq is still functioning, and Americans have been advised to use overland routes to exit the country as soon as possible.
The warning comes days after reports that American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted in Baghdad. The US State Department confirmed it is looking into the case.
Dylan Johnson, Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs, said on X that the department is aware of the reported kidnapping.
“The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them, and we will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible,” he said.