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 United States has warned its citizens to leave Iraq immediately as escalating conflict with Iran and rising threats from Iran-backed militias create imminent risks of attacks, kidnappings, and widespread instability.

Getting into it: The warning came from the US Embassy in Baghdad, which said Iran-aligned militia groups could carry out attacks in central Baghdad within 24 to 48 hours and urged Americans to “leave Iraq now.” Officials also noted that these militias have repeatedly targeted Americans and US-linked interests across Iraq, including areas within the Kurdistan region, and warned that additional strikes could hit locations seen as connected to the United States. Potential targets span a wide range of locations, including government sites, commercial areas, transit hubs, and other places where Americans or US-linked operations may be present.

The embassy also noted that the threat environment has sharply deteriorated amid escalating regional conflict, with Iran-backed militias increasingly using drones, rockets, and missiles to carry out attacks. In recent weeks, repeated strikes have hit US-linked sites in Iraq, including attacks on the embassy itself and military installations near Baghdad. One missile strike damaged parts of the embassy compound, destroying an air defense system and a helipad, while a series of drone attacks have targeted bases such as Camp Victory and facilities near Baghdad International Airport.

According to officials, more than 100 people have been killed in Iraq since late February, including dozens of fighters from Iran-aligned factions, underscoring the intensity of the ongoing exchanges.

This all comes just days after American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad, in what US officials believe was an operation carried out by Iran-backed militants. According to Iraqi security sources, Kittleson was abducted from a busy street in the capital and forced into a vehicle by armed men before being driven out of the city. Authorities tracked the vehicle to a highway where it crashed during a pursuit, but the kidnappers quickly transferred her into another vehicle and escaped, leaving behind one suspect who was later detained and is believed to have ties to Kataib Hezbollah.

According to some reports, Kataib Hezbollah has communicated indirectly through Iraqi officials to negotiate her release. Sources say the group has indicated it may seek the release of detained militia members in exchange for Kittleson’s freedom, pointing to a possible prisoner swap arrangement.