Baghdad, Iraq – The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a strongly worded security alert on Monday, warning its citizens of continued security threats despite the partial reopening of Iraqi airspace.
The embassy reiterated its firm call for all U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Iraq and urged those already in the country to leave immediately, given the escalating security and political tensions.
Political accusations and escalation on the ground
In a significant development, the embassy directly accused entities linked to the Iraqi government of providing “political, financial, and operational cover” to what it termed “Iranian-backed terrorist militias.”
The security alert confirmed that these groups continue to plan additional attacks targeting American citizens and U.S. interests throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, using rockets, drones, and missiles. Despite the resumption of limited commercial flights, the embassy cautioned air travelers to exercise extreme caution due to the ongoing military operations, noting that the threats remain persistent and unpredictable.
Reduced consular services and evacuation options
On the diplomatic front, the embassy announced the suspension of all routine consular services, including visa issuance, in both Baghdad and Erbil. It confirmed that the mission’s operations are currently limited to extreme emergencies related to assisting American citizens only, and warned against approaching embassy or consulate buildings due to heightened security risks. Regarding departures from the country, the security alert indicated that land routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey remain open, but cautioned against “lengthy delays” and sudden changes in border entry and exit procedures, as well as the expectation of sharp increases in airfares or flight cancellations at very short notice.
Level Four: “Do not travel”
The U.S. State Department maintained its travel advisory for Iraq at Level 4 (red), the highest level, meaning “do not travel under any circumstances.” The embassy emphasized that the U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in Iraq is extremely limited, particularly given the ongoing mandatory departure of non-essential personnel.
