On Saturday, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad urged Americans to depart Iraq without delay following a series of attacks directed at U.S. nationals.
“U.S. citizens should leave Iraq now,” the embassy stated in a social media post. “U.S. citizens who choose to remain in Iraq are strongly encouraged to reconsider their decision, given the significant threat posed by Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups.”
The statement comes as the Iran conflict enters its third week, with Tehran continuing to attack neighboring states using drones and missiles in response to strikes by the U.S. and Israel.
Iran-aligned militias have repeatedly targeted the International Zone in central Baghdad, the embassy said. The area around Erbil International Airport and the Erbil consulate have also been subject to repeated attacks, according to the statement, in apparent retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran.
“Do not attempt to travel to the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate general in Erbil, considering the ongoing risk of missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace,” the embassy said.
The embassy noted that the U.S. government will assist Americans trying to leave Iraq via land routes, as Iraqi airspace is closed.