US Embassy in Baghdad warns citizens of security risks

The US Embassy in Baghdad. Photo: INA Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a formal security alert on Saturday, warning American citizens residing in or traveling through the Middle East of heightened operational risks stemming from potential armed attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis, alongside reported Iranian efforts to target U.S. government personnel and interests across the region. According to the consular advisory, American diplomatic authorities urged citizens to exercise heightened vigilance and prepare for potential commercial aviation disruptions, including short-notice flight cancellations and intermittent airspace closures. Travelers were advised to monitor airport operational statuses and coordinate directly with commercial airlines for updated departure schedules. The mission highlighted that retaliatory threats or proxy militia actions could extend to commercial facilities, enterprises, and public venues associated with the United States. To mitigate operational vulnerabilities, the embassy instructed U.S. citizens to maintain a low profile, avoid large crowds, demonstrations, and sites of heavy security deployment, closely monitor local media for situational updates, and strictly comply with instructions issued by host-nation authorities.