US State Department urges Americans to leave Iraq ‘now’ after embassy in Baghdad hit

WASHINGTON, Mar 15 (APP):: The US State Department has instructed Americans still in Iraq to leave the country immediately, a warning that comes after a missile struck the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

“Iran-aligned terrorist militias have encouraged and conducted indiscriminate attacks on U.S. citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq, including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). U.S. citizens should leave Iraq now,” a security alert from the department said.

They also urged Americans not to travel to the embassy or the U.S. consulate in Erbil, citing Iranian missile and drone attacks. All “routine” services at both of the offices are suspended regardless, the State Department added.

The agency advised Americans to travel by land to either Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or Turkey, given that Iraqi airspace is closed at least until Monday.

“Land borders are generally open. Travelers should expect long delays. Local ground transportation options are functioning. Americans should depart now via one of these overland routes,” it said.

Meanwhile, the State Department also said on Saturday it had ordered non-emergency government employees and the family members of government employees to leave Oman, citing safety risks as the US-Israeli war on Iran continues.

Additionally, on Saturday, operations at the Lanaz refinery in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil were suspended until a fire caused by a drone strike was extinguished, provincial officials said.

Work will remain suspended until the extent of the damage is assessed, officials at the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Natural Resources said.