WASHINGTON (TNND) — The U.S. government is warning American citizens to leave Iraq immediately, citing credible threats of imminent attacks by Iran-aligned terrorist militias in central Baghdad.
According to a new alert, Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran may be planning attacks within the next 24 to 48 hours, targeting locations associated with the United States as well as civilian infrastructure across the country. Officials say these groups have a history of carrying out attacks against U.S. personnel and interests, including in both Baghdad and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
Potential targets include U.S. citizens, businesses, universities, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, and airports, along with Iraqi government institutions and civilian areas. The warning also highlights an increased risk of kidnappings, noting that American citizens have previously been targeted by militia groups.
This comes after freelance journalist Shelly Renee Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, earlier this week. Kittelson has reported in Iraq and Syria for years.
U.S. officials are alleging that she was taken by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-linked Iraqi militia.
According to Iraq’s Interior Minister, security forces immediately launched an operation to arrest the captors, leading to the arrest of one suspect after the car he was driving overturned. The other kidnappers escaped with Kittleson in another vehicle.
“The Ministry affirms that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining individuals involved, secure the release of the kidnapped journalist, and take all necessary legal measures against all those involved in this criminal act, in accordance with the law,” the ministry said in a statement.
“The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them, and we will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible,” Dylan Johnson, U.S. assistant secretary of state for public affairs, posted on X.
U.S. officials say the Iraqi government has not been able to fully prevent terrorist activity within its borders. Adding to the concern, some Iran-aligned militias may present themselves as affiliated with Iraqi government forces, potentially carrying identification that appears official, making it more difficult to distinguish between legitimate authorities and hostile actors.
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate General in Erbil remain operational under an ordered departure status, meaning non-essential personnel have already been relocated. However, U.S. citizens are being strongly advised not to travel to embassy or consulate facilities due to heightened security risks.
The State Department reiterated its Level 4: Do Not Travel warning for Iraq — its highest advisory level — stating plainly: “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there.” Officials emphasize that Americans who choose to remain in Iraq are doing so at significant personal risk.
Departing Iraq may prove challenging. The country’s airspace is currently closed, and commercial flights are not operating. However, overland routes remain open to neighboring countries, including Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, though travelers should expect long delays at border crossings and rapidly changing conditions.
Officials also note that travel throughout the region remains uncertain, with neighboring airspace closures and fluctuating entry requirements adding further complications. Despite these challenges, the State Department is urging Americans to depart immediately while exit routes remain available.
