US embassy issues urgent terrorist attack warning: 'Leave immediately'

 U.S. officials have warned Americans in Iraq to leave at once, citing credible intelligence that Iran-aligned terrorist militias could launch attacks in Baghdad within days.

Why It Matters

The warning comes as fighting linked to the Iran war spills across the region, with U.S. interests repeatedly targeted. 

Iraq has become a key flashpoint where regional tensions intersect with long‑running militia activity.

What To Know

An urgent security alert from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad says Iran-aligned Iraqi terrorist militias may be preparing to carry out attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours. 

The alert, issued Thursday, April 2, urges all U.S. citizens in the country to leave immediately.

According to the embassy, Iran and its aligned militias have already carried out widespread attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S.-associated targets across Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. 

Officials warned that the threat environment has worsened and could escalate quickly.

Potential targets listed in the alert include U.S. citizens, American companies, universities, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports as well as other locations believed to be connected to the United States.

Iraqi institutions and civilian sites could also be at risk, the embassy said.

Kidnapping remains a specific concern. Terrorist militias in Iraq have previously targeted Americans for abduction, prompting the embassy to repeat its strongest possible travel warning.

Just days ago, American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted from central Baghdad, prompting Iraqi security forces to launch a manhunt, with at least one suspect arrested while others remain at large.

The U.S. Embassy also warned that Iraqi authorities have not been able to prevent terrorist attacks that occur within the country or are launched from its territory. 

Some militia members may have links to the Iraqi government and could carry government‑issued identification, making it harder to identify threats on the ground.

Despite the deteriorating security situation, the U.S. Mission in Iraq continues to operate while some staff remain under ordered departure. 

Embassy officials said assistance is still being provided to U.S. citizens who need help leaving the country.

Americans were also told not to attempt to approach the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad or the Consulate General in Erbil. 

Ongoing risks include rockets, drones, and mortars, the alert said.

The advisory reinforces the State Department’s Level 4: Do Not Travel designation for Iraq, the highest warning level issued by the U.S. government. 

That status reflects threats from terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest.