Americans told to leave Iraq 'immediately' as US Embassy in Baghdad warns of indiscriminate attacks

BAGHDAD, IRAQ: The US Embassy in Baghdad has urged American citizens in Iraq to leave the country “immediately” due to growing security concerns. In a detailed post on social media, the embassy stated that militias aligned with Iran have “carried out indiscriminate attacks against US citizens and US-associated targets throughout Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.”

The statement also noted that “attacks have been perpetrated against US citizens, interests, and critical infrastructure.” Americans were further advised not to travel to the US Embassy in Baghdad or the US Consulate General in Erbil, which serves as Washington’s diplomatic office in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region

A missile struck the US Embassy compound in Baghdad, with smoke rising from inside the large complex located in the Green Zone. The incident occurred as tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran continued to escalate, with the confrontation now entering its fifteenth consecutive day after the first strike was reported on February 28.

US Embassy in Baghdad's post for US citizens 

The advisory reminds travelers that Iraq remains under the highest travel warning issued by the US government. In its notice, the embassy stated, “The US Embassy in Iraq reminds US citizens of the Level 4 travel warning: Do not travel to Iraq.”

The message added, “US citizens are advised to: Do not travel to Iraq because of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the limited ability of the US government to provide emergency services to US citizens in Iraq.”

The embassy repeated its warning clearly, stating, “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there.” Officials also urged Americans who have decided to stay in Iraq to rethink that choice. According to the embassy, “American citizens who choose to remain in Iraq are encouraged to reconsider their decision given the significant threat posed by Iranian-backed terrorist militias.”

Despite the security situation, the embassy noted that commercial flights are still operating from Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan, though travelers should expect possible disruptions or sudden changes to schedules. Information about flights departing from Amman is available through airline and airport updates.

The advisory also included important travel details for those planning to leave by land. Authorities said visas are not available on arrival at land border crossings with Iraq, meaning US citizens must apply for a visa in advance through the eVisaApplication system managed by the Department of the Interior.

In addition, the embassy explained that US citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival in Kuwait, as long as their passports remain valid for at least six months.

The notice also shared more guidance for people traveling in the region. It said Americans leaving Kuwait for Saudi Arabia can find more details on the US Embassy in Kuwait’s Alerts for US Citizens page.

Missile reported inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad

A missile strike was reported inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad, raising security concerns in the Iraqi capital. According to The Associated Press, “one of the missiles hit a helipad inside the embassy complex.” No casualties have been reported so far.

The embassy has not issued an official statement yet. However, several media reports state that the projectile landed within the embassy grounds in Baghdad’s Green Zone, a heavily guarded area that houses Iraqi government buildings and foreign diplomatic missions.