US warns citizens against travel to Iraq ‘for any reason’ over security risks
- Mission warns hostilities could escalate rapidly, spread beyond current conflict zones
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- Mission warns hostilities could escalate rapidly, spread beyond current conflict zones
By Murat Basoglu and Rania Abushamala
ISTANBUL (AA) - The US has warned its citizens against traveling to Iraq “for any reason,” citing security risks including “armed conflict, terrorism and kidnapping.”
The advisory, updated on Friday and published by the US Embassy in Iraq on Saturday, left the warning level and risk indicators unchanged.
“Do not travel to Iraq for any reason,” the State Department said, adding that the US government’s ability to provide emergency services to American citizens in Iraq was limited by security risks.
The advisory said Iran-backed Houthis had attacked Saudi Arabia, targeting civilian airports and critical infrastructure, causing civilian casualties and major travel disruptions.
It warned that hostilities “have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.”
The State Department said the Iraqi government “cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.”
US government personnel working in Iraq are subject to “strict security protocols,” and travel to the country requires “special authorization,” according to the advisory. Additional restrictions could be imposed as security conditions evolve.
The advisory also warned of “terrorism and kidnapping” risks, saying ISIS (Daesh) and Iran-aligned armed groups “encourage and conduct attacks against U.S. persons and interests in Iraq.”
It cited attacks involving improvised explosive devices, projectiles and drones in various parts of the country, including major cities.
“Targets of recent attacks have included hotels, universities, energy infrastructure, airports, and other locations perceived as affiliated with the United States, including diplomatic facilities,” according to the advisory.
On civil aviation, the State Department pointed to restrictions and warnings issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerning flights in or near Iraqi airspace because of risks to aviation safety.
The updated advisory comes amid rising regional tensions and Western media reports of US-Israeli preparations for a large-scale attack on Iran, with the timing unclear as Israel’s Oct. 27 elections and the Nov. 3 US congressional midterm elections approach.
Rania R.a. Abushamala