Embassy Advises Americans to Depart Iraq Immediately, Citing Lack of Support from Baghdad Against Iranian Strikes

U.S. Embassy Alerts Citizens in Iraq

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a warning on Wednesday urging U.S. citizens to leave Iraq as soon as possible. This follows concerns about the Iraqi government’s inability to stop attacks and safeguard individuals.

This warning came after the alarming kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad on Tuesday. She is thought to have been abducted by Kataib Hezbollah (KH), a militia backed by Iran. KH is linked to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an extremist group that, despite being legalized by the Iraqi government in its fight against ISIS, has a strong affiliation with Iran. The PMF, comprised mainly of Shia groups, engaged in extensive combat with the Sunni-dominated ISIS.

Iraq is one of several Middle Eastern nations facing increased aggression from Iranian forces since the initiation of Operation Epic Fury—a U.S. military operation aimed at curbing Iran’s capacity to threaten its neighbors. Iran has launched numerous attacks involving missiles and drones not just on Iraq but also on nations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others. Within Iraq, Iran is targeting sites it believes are connected to the U.S.

Before the current tensions, Iran had already established substantial influence in Iraq, largely due to its close relationships with the PMF and the Shiite-led Baghdad government. The country is also thought to be in contact with a group identifying itself as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which has been active following the October 7 attack in Israel, striking at U.S. interests.

The embassy stated, “The Iraqi government has not prevented terrorist attacks inside and outside Iraqi territory.” They expressed concern about Iran-linked militias posing as Iraqi government personnel, which complicates security measures.

The message from the embassy indicated that these militias might soon carry out attacks targeting energy facilities, hotels, airports, and other sites associated with the U.S., in addition to targeting Iraqi civilians and institutions. Consequently, Americans were strongly advised to exit Iraq immediately.

This advisory came in the wake of Kittleson’s kidnapping, which the State Department believes may have been orchestrated by KH, known for its violent anti-American actions within the PMF.

Assistant Secretary of State for International Public Affairs Dylan Johnson mentioned that an individual connected to this militia has been apprehended by Iraqi authorities. He assured that the State Department will continue to collaborate with the FBI to ensure her release and reiterated warnings about potential deportation for Americans in Iraq.

KH has historically had close ties to Iran. Notably, the group’s founder was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad back in January 2020, which also targeted a prominent Iranian military leader. KH had attempted to bomb U.S. military positions in Iraq following the recent hostilities, only to briefly pause its efforts to avoid straining relations with the Iraqi government. However, they have again threatened U.S. interests following recent airstrikes authorized against Iranian nuclear sites.

In a speech on Wednesday, President Trump stated that the goals of Operation Epic Fury had mostly been met and that the hostilities might soon wind down. He praised the U.S. military’s achievements over the past month and mentioned that, as things stand, Iran has suffered significant losses.

He further urged Iran to cease its threats against international shipping related to the Strait of Hormuz but acknowledged that the situation might persist for a few more weeks.