US Warns Americans to Leave Iraq Amid Imminent Threats

The United States Embassy in Baghdad issued an urgent security alert on Thursday, warning American citizens to leave Iraq immediately amid credible intelligence of imminent attacks by Iran-aligned militias in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours. The advisory highlighted potential targets including U.S. diplomatic facilities, businesses, universities, energy infrastructure, hotels, and airports, as well as locations associated with American, Israeli, or Jewish interests.

The alert emphasized that the Iraqi government has struggled to prevent terrorist attacks within the country or those launched from its territory, citing repeated incidents against U.S. sites such as the embassy in Baghdad, the consulate in Erbil, and a diplomatic support center. Officials noted that some militia members may carry identification indicating employment with the Iraqi government, complicating efforts to identify threats. The warning followed a U.S. State Department announcement offering up to $3 million for information leading to the identification of those responsible for recent attacks on American diplomatic facilities in Iraq.

This escalation coincides with the recent kidnapping of...