Security alert cites potential militia attacks in Baghdad within 48 hours as risks escalate.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued an urgent security alert Thursday warning American citizens to leave Iraq immediately, citing credible threats of imminent attacks by Iran-aligned militias in the capital.
In its alert, the embassy stated that “Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24–48 hours,” urging Americans to depart the country without delay. The notice emphasized that individuals who remain “are doing so at significant risk.”
The embassy warned that such groups have previously carried out widespread attacks targeting U.S. citizens and American-linked interests across Iraq, including in the Kurdistan region. It also cautioned that some militants may present themselves as affiliated with the Iraqi government and could carry official identification.
“The Iraqi government has not prevented terrorist attacks in or from Iraqi territory,” the embassy stated, adding that potential targets could include U.S. citizens, diplomatic facilities, businesses, energy infrastructure, hotels, and airports.
The warning follows the reported abduction of American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad earlier this week. U.S. and Iraqi officials have linked a suspect in the kidnapping to the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia.
The State Department continues to maintain a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Iraq, its highest warning level, citing terrorism, kidnapping, ongoing armed conflict, and limited capacity to provide assistance to U.S. citizens.
Americans still in Iraq were advised to leave using available means, with overland routes to neighboring countries often recommended amid potential airspace disruptions.
The alert comes as President Donald Trump said during a Wednesday evening address that hostilities involving Iran could be nearing a conclusion following weeks of military operations.
“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.”
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