U.S. Embassy Baghdad Issues New Security Alert

INA

U.S. Embassy Baghdad.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a new security alert on Sunday, urging American citizens in Iraq to exercise increased caution, keep a low profile, limit their movements, and shelter in place as needed as reports of missiles, drones, or rockets in Iraqi airspace continue.   

The U.S. Embassy said in a statement, obtained by PUKMEDIA, U.S. Mission Iraq advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution, keep a low profile, limit their movements, and shelter in place as needed, noting reports of missiles, drones, or rockets in Iraqi airspace continue. 

The statement added that the U.S. Embassy is tracking active threats to U.S. interests in Iraq including restaurants, businesses, and individuals.  

The statement also warned that there are ongoing demonstrations against the United States on the south bank of the July 14th Bridge in Baghdad, as well as calls for demonstrations throughout Iraq.   

It also stated that U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings and avoid large crowds, as demonstrations may turn violent and that the security environment remains complex and can change quickly.
 
The U.S. embassy has directed that all mission personnel capable of working from their residence should do so until further notice, noting that consular operations, including routine American Citizen Services, are currently suspended. 

The statement said that Department of State maintains a Level 4 Travel Advisory (“Do Not Travel”) for Iraq.  U.S. citizens should not travel to Iraq for any reason. 

The statement advised U.S. citizens in Iraq, to review their personal security plan and evaluate options to shelter in place or depart Iraq once conditions are safe.  These plans should not rely on the U.S. government for departure assistance or evacuation. 

The statement added that the U.S. Embassy Baghdad and U.S. Consulate General Erbil remain open and are limiting movements to critical operations. 



PUKMEDIA