Washington urges citizens to leave Iraq immediately

2026-03-17 - 08:54

The US Embassy in Baghdad issued a statement Monday urging American citizens to leave Iraq immediately. The statement read: “Militias have instigated and carried out attacks against US citizens and US-related targets throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. US citizens should leave Iraq immediately.” “Militias have repeatedly attacked the International Zone in central Baghdad. The International Zone remains closed, with limited exceptions. There have also been repeated attacks in the vicinity of Erbil International Airport and the US Consulate General in Erbil.” The embassy added, “Do not attempt to go to the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil due to the ongoing security risks.” The embassy advised US citizens, “Do not travel to Iraq because of the risks of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the limited ability of the US government to provide emergency services to US citizens in Iraq. Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there.”