OMM Newsroom
The United States has warned its citizens not to travel to Iraq “for any reason,” citing security risks including armed conflict, terrorism and kidnapping, Anadolu Agency reported.
The advisory was updated on Friday and published by the US Embassy in Iraq on Saturday. It left the warning level and risk indicators unchanged.
“Do not travel to Iraq for any reason,” the State Department said, adding that security risks limit the US government’s ability to provide emergency services to American citizens in the country.
The advisory said Iran-backed Houthis had attacked Saudi Arabia, targeting civilian airports and critical infrastructure and causing civilian casualties and major travel disruptions. It warned that hostilities “have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.”
The State Department said the Iraqi government “cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.” US government personnel in Iraq are subject to “strict security protocols,” and travel to the country requires “special authorization,” the advisory said. Additional restrictions could be imposed as security conditions evolve.
The advisory also cited risks of terrorism and kidnapping, saying ISIS (Daesh) and Iran-aligned armed groups “encourage and conduct attacks against U.S. persons and interests in Iraq.” It referred to attacks involving improvised explosive devices, projectiles and drones in various parts of the country, including major cities.
“Targets of recent attacks have included hotels, universities, energy infrastructure, airports, and other locations perceived as affiliated with the United States, including diplomatic facilities,” the advisory said.
On civil aviation, the State Department pointed to restrictions and warnings issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerning flights in or near Iraqi airspace because of risks to aviation safety.
The update comes amid rising regional tensions and Western media reports of US-Israeli preparations for a large-scale attack on Iran. The timing remains unclear as Israel’s Oct. 27 elections and the Nov. 3 US congressional midterm elections approach.
