The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday warned American citizens to leave Iraq immediately, citing threats of attacks by Iran-aligned terrorist militias in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours.
"Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours," the embassy stated in its security alert.
It added that such groups "have conducted widespread attacks against U.S. citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region."
The embassy said, "The Iraqi government has not prevented terrorist attacks in or from Iraqi territory."
It noted that Iran-aligned groups "may claim to be associated with the Iraqi government" and that terrorists "may carry identification denoting their status as Iraqi government employees."
"Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there," the alert said, adding that those who remain "are doing so at significant risk."
The warning follows the abduction on Tuesday of American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad. U.S. and Iraqi officials have linked a suspect in the kidnapping to the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia.
Potential terrorist targets include U.S. citizens, businesses, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports, and other sites perceived as associated with the United States or Iraqi institutions.
The embassy also noted that terrorist militias are targeting Americans for kidnapping.
The State Department maintains its "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory for Iraq, the highest level, due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and limited U.S. government assistance.
The embassy urged Americans to depart now, with overland routes to neighboring countries often recommended amid airspace restrictions.
President Donald Trump stated during his Wednesday evening address that hostilities between Iran and the United States may soon come to an end, as the primary objectives of Operation Epic Fury have been largely achieved.
"As we speak this evening, it's been just one month since the United States military began Operation Epic Fury, targeting the world's No. 1 state sponsor of terror, Iran," Trump said.
"In these past four weeks, our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield — victories like few people have ever seen before. Tonight, Iran's navy is gone, their air force is in ruins."
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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