Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
The State Department has again called on Americans to leave Iraq immediately, citing escalating threats from Iran-backed militias.
Getting into it: The advisory came from the State Department’s X account, which warned that these groups “may intend to conduct additional terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR).” Officials pointed to recent drone incidents near the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center and Baghdad International Airport as evidence of the growing danger, stressing that both US personnel and civilian-linked locations remain at risk.
The advisory explicitly warned against air travel, stating, “U.S. citizens should not travel within Iraq by air in light of the ongoing risk of missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace,” even as Iraqi authorities have begun resuming flights. Instead, Americans were urged to depart immediately using land routes. While the US mission in Iraq remains operational to assist departures, officials warned against approaching embassy or consulate facilities due to “significant security risks.”
The warning comes after a series of attacks on US installations and affiliated sites, part of what officials describe as a sustained campaign by Iran-aligned militias. In response, the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program announced a reward of up to $3 million for information leading to the identification or location of those responsible for attacks on US diplomatic facilities in Iraq. Authorities said individuals providing credible information could also qualify for relocation assistance.
This followed terrorists affiliated with the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah releasing American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson after she was abducted in Baghdad on March 31. Kittleson was kidnapped by armed gunmen in the Iraqi capital and held for roughly a week, with officials saying she had previously been flagged as a potential target by Iran-aligned groups.
Kataib Hezbollah said it decided to free her “in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing” Iraqi prime minister, though Iraqi officials said her release was connected to an arrangement that included the release of detained members of the group.
