US Embassy in Baghdad urges immediate American evacuation from Iraq

2026-03-15 - 09:43

The US Embassy in Baghdad has dramatically escalated its security warnings, ordering all American citizens in Iraq to depart the country immediately. In a security alert published Saturday, the diplomatic mission cited ongoing attacks by what it termed "Iran-aligned terrorist militias" against US citizens and American-linked targets throughout Iraq, including within the Kurdish Regional Government. The embassy reported that these groups have repeatedly targeted the heavily fortified International Zone in central Baghdad, an area that remains largely closed to the public with limited exceptions. The statement also noted frequent attacks near Erbil International Airport and the US Consulate General, warning Americans against attempting to reach either diplomatic facility due to the persistent threat of rockets, drones, and other projectiles in Iraqi airspace. Renewed Level 4 Warning Amid Regional Escalation The embassy reiterated its Level 4 travel advisory—the State Department's most severe classification—which advises against any travel to Iraq. "Terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict and civil unrest pose significant risks and the US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to Americans in the country," the statement read, adding the stark directive: "Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there." Türkiye continues to monitor the deteriorating security situation along its southern border, as the evacuation order reflects the widening impact of regional hostilities. The current crisis traces back to February 28, when joint attacks by Israel and the United States targeted Iranian territory, resulting in the death of then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 1,200 others. Retaliatory Campaign Expands Across Region In response to those strikes, Tehran has launched drone and missile barrages targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states, explicitly aiming at what it describes as "US military assets." The campaign has significantly expanded the conflict's geographic scope, placing American personnel and facilities across the region on high alert and prompting today's unprecedented evacuation order for civilians in Iraq.