Overnight Attacks Target US Center at Baghdad International Airport

Eight attacks targeted a U.S. Diplomatic and logistics center at Baghdad International Airport overnight on March 21-22, 2026, according to Iraqi security officials Al Arabiya. The attacks involved both rockets, and drones.

Recent Attacks and Claims of Responsibility

The U.S. Diplomatic and logistics center at Baghdad International Airport has been repeatedly targeted since the start of the conflict in the Middle East on February 28, 2026. An Iraqi resistance group claimed responsibility for 21 drone and rocket attacks carried out in the past 24 hours “against colonial bases” in Iraq and the Middle East Al Arabiya. This group has consistently called for the withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Iraq.

U.S. Response and Personnel Movements

Following a series of attacks, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was not targeted for the fourth consecutive night as of March 19, 2026, after Kataib Hezbollah, an influential Iran-backed armed group, promised to halt attacks for five days under certain conditions U.S. Embassy Baghdad.

Despite orders advising U.S. Citizens to leave Iraq, the State Department confirmed that the U.S. Mission in Iraq remains open, including its consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan U.S. Embassy Baghdad. The department stated it continues to review all necessary actions to ensure the safety of U.S. Government personnel and facilities.

Security Concerns and Travel Advisory

Iran-aligned terrorist militias have been actively encouraging and conducting attacks on U.S. Citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq, including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region U.S. Embassy Baghdad. Attacks targeting public venues, such as hotels and airports, pose a significant threat to public safety. The U.S. Embassy has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning for Iraq, advising U.S. Citizens to depart the country immediately due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and limited U.S. Government emergency services U.S. Embassy Baghdad.

Baghdad International Airport Overview

Baghdad International Airport (BGW), formerly known as Saddam International Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Iraq, handling approximately 8 million passengers annually and offering flights to over 35 destinations Wikipedia. Located 16 km (9.9 mi) west of downtown Baghdad, the airport features three terminals constructed beginning in 1979 and opened in 1982 Wikipedia.