US Embassy issues new security alert, urges Americans not to travel to Iraq

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday issued a security alert advising American citizens to avoid travel to Iraq, following a series of attacks that it said were carried out by Iran-aligned militias targeting locations inside Iraq and across the region. In the alert, the embassy urged U.S. nationals currently in Iraq to remain vigilant, closely monitor local media, and follow instructions issued by Iraqi authorities. The embassy also warned that air travel could be affected without prior notice, including possible flight delays, cancellations, or temporary airspace closures. As a result, American citizens planning to travel were advised to check directly with their airlines before heading to airports, as flight schedules may change at any time. The mission reiterated that Iraq remains under the U.S. State Department’s Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, citing terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in the country. In addition to avoiding unnecessary travel, the embassy encouraged U.S. citizens already in Iraq to maintain communication with family members, ensure travel documents remain valid, and keep mobile phones fully charged. The advisory also urged Americans to avoid protests and demonstrations, maintain a low profile, stay aware of their surroundings, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates. Furthermore, the embassy advised citizens to follow official U.S. State Department security alerts and remain prepared for rapidly changing conditions. The advisory comes amid heightened security tensions across Iraq and the wider region. Earlier this week, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said the region had recently come under drone attacks launched from the direction of Nineveh, stressing the need for an effective air defense system to protect the Kurdistan Region. Days earlier, coalition forces intercepted eight explosive-laden drones targeting Erbil. The Kurdistan Region’s Counter-Terrorism Service said all of the drones were successfully destroyed before reaching their targets, with no casualties reported. The U.S. Embassy continues to operate in Iraq, although the mandatory departure order for non-essential U.S. government personnel remains in effect.