US warns of kidnapping threat in Iraq as Iran-backed militia hits diplomatic facility
A number of US-related sites have been targeted by Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq, prompting Baghdad to bolster its air defenses.
The US Embassy in Iraq is warning American citizens in the country that they face a heightened risk of kidnapping, following a series of attacks by Iran-backed militias on diplomatic sites, hotels and other targets. The alert underscores Iraq’s volatile security situation and comes amid reports of ongoing action against armed groups.
In a Tuesday advisory, the embassy said US citizens “face risk of kidnapping,” citing attacks on US‑affiliated facilities as well as hotels frequented by foreigners. The mission blamed Iran and “Iran‑aligned terrorist militia groups” for the threat, warning that congregating in areas associated with the United States constitutes a particular risk.
The US has previously issued broad warnings about kidnapping risks, and Iraq has long been designated a “do not travel” country by the State Department. A security notice last week highlighted the danger of “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” throughout the country.
The last time Americans were kidnapped in Iraq occurred in Baghdad in 2016. The circumstances of the abduction were unclear, and they were released after about a month, according to reports at the time.
