U.S. calls for Americans to leave Iraq ‘now’ as attacks mount

The US Embassy in Baghdad told Americans on Saturday to leave Iraq immediately following a series of attacks targeting US nationals.

“US citizens should leave Iraq now,” the Embassy said in a social media statement. “US citizens choosing to remain in Iraq are strongly encouraged to reconsider in light of the significant threat posed by Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups.”

The statement comes as the Iran war enters its third week, with Tehran continuing to attack neighboring states with drones and missiles in response to US and Israeli strikes. 

Iran-aligned militias have repeatedly attacked the International Zone in central Baghdad, the embassy said. The area around the Erbil International Airport and the Erbil consulate have also been subject to repeated attacks, according to the statement, in apparent retaliation for US-Israeli strikes against Iran. 

“Do not attempt to come to the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate general in Erbil in light of the ongoing risk of missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace,” the embassy said.

The embassy said the US government will provide assistance to Americans trying to leave Iraq over land because Iraqi airspace is closed.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com