U.S. Warns Iran-Aligned Militias May Plan Attacks in Central Baghdad Within 24 to 48 Hours
Embassy questions Iraq’s ability to prevent attacks, saying authorities have failed to stop terrorism, and warns militias may pose as government officials using state identification
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday issued an urgent security alert warning that Iran-aligned militia groups may be planning attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours, urging all American citizens to leave Iraq immediately.
The alert stated that “Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks” targeting a wide range of locations, including diplomatic facilities, businesses, universities, airports, hotels, energy infrastructure, and other sites perceived to be associated with the United States. Iraqi institutions and civilian areas could also be at risk.
According to the embassy, Iran and affiliated militias have previously carried out widespread attacks against U.S. citizens and interests across Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region.
The warning also highlighted the continued threat of kidnappings targeting Americans.
The statement raised concerns about the ability of Iraqi authorities to prevent such attacks, noting that “the Iraqi government has not prevented terrorist attacks in or from Iraqi territory.”
It further cautioned that some militia members may present themselves as government officials, potentially carrying identification suggesting affiliation with Iraqi state institutions.
Despite the heightened threat environment, the U.S. diplomatic mission in Iraq remains operational under an ordered departure status to assist American citizens still in the country. However, the embassy advised citizens not to travel to the embassy in Baghdad or the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil due to significant security risks.
The embassy reiterated the U.S. State Department’s highest-level travel advisory for Iraq, Level 4: “Do Not Travel,” emphasizing that Americans should not travel to Iraq for any reason and should depart immediately if currently in the country. Those who choose to remain were warned they face “significant risk.”
U.S. citizens requiring assistance were instructed to contact the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil via official emergency communication channels.
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq – April 2, 2026
— U.S. Embassy Baghdad (@USEmbBaghdad) April 2, 2026
Location: Iraq
Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours. Iran and Iran-aligned terrorist militias have conducted widespread attacks…
The alert comes amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran and the United States, with Iraq increasingly caught in the middle of a long-running shadow conflict between the two. Over recent years, Iran-backed militias operating within Iraq—many linked to the Popular Mobilization Forces—have repeatedly targeted U.S. military and diplomatic sites, as well as logistical and energy infrastructure, particularly during periods of escalation.
While the Government of Iraq has sought to balance its relations with both Washington and Tehran, persistent security gaps and the autonomy of armed factions have complicated efforts to fully contain such threats.
The latest warning underscores growing concerns that Iraq could once again become an active theater for retaliatory attacks, with potential implications not only for foreign nationals but also for the country’s fragile stability and economic recovery.