US embassy in Baghdad issues fresh security warning for citizens

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The US Embassy in Baghdad issued a new security advisory for American citizens following recent drone activity over Erbil. The notice referenced July 15 drone attacks attributed to Iran-backed groups and urged US citizens to follow local authorities' instructions and exercise heightened caution. The embassy warned that travel disruptions could occur and that Iraqi airspace could be closed without notice. It also restated the State Department's Level 4 travel advisory, which directs US citizens not to travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict and civil unrest. The advisory noted that the US government has limited capacity to provide emergency services in the country. It added that the embassy in Baghdad continues to operate despite a mandatory evacuation order in place for some personnel. US citizens seeking to leave Iraq were advised to check flight status with airlines before traveling to the airport.