US Renews Do-Not-Travel Warning for Iraq Over Security Risks
The US State Department renewed its Do Not Travel advisory for Iraq, citing terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime and health risks there.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The US State Department on Saturday renewed its warnings to American citizens, urging them to avoid all travel to Iraq for any reason amid growing security risks and regional tensions.
In its updated travel advisory for Iraq, published on Saturday, the department told Americans not to travel to the country because of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime and health risks.
It also pointed to the US government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to American citizens in Iraq.
“Do not travel to Iraq for any reason,” the advisory states.
The advisory says Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure that caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.
It adds that the hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area.
The Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of American citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict, according to the advisory.
The State Department requires US government personnel working in Iraq to live and work under strict security protocols because of serious threats.
The advisory says additional staffing adjustments may be imposed on US personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility as security issues evolve.
Because of the safety risks, US government employees need special authorization to travel to Iraq.
The advisory says US citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping. It also cites a risk of terrorist violence, including attacks and other activity.
According to the department, terrorists, including Iran-aligned militias and ISIS, encourage and carry out attacks against US persons and interests in Iraq.
The department says anti-US militias threaten American citizens and international companies. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities, it says.
Recent targets have included hotels, universities, energy infrastructure, airports and other sites seen as affiliated with the United States, including diplomatic facilities.
On health, the advisory says emergency and intensive care facilities in Iraq are limited and likely unavailable outside the largest cities.
Hospitals, doctors, ambulances and medical supplies may be of low quality or unavailable, and problems with transportation, roads and safety can delay medical evacuation.
The advisory also says the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a Special Federal Aviation Regulation and a Notice to Airmen prohibiting certain flights in the region because of risks to civil aviation operating within or near Iraq.