US Embassy in Baghdad Urges Americans to Leave Iraq Amid Escalating Attacks

The US Embassy in Baghdad issued a stark warning to American citizens on Saturday, March 15, 2026, urging them to immediately depart Iraq due to a surge in attacks targeting US nationals and interests. The directive comes as tensions escalate in the region, entering its third week with continued attacks by Iran and its aligned groups.

Immediate Departure Recommended

“US citizens should leave Iraq now,” the Embassy stated in a social media post. The Embassy further advised, “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.”

Attacks and Regional Instability

The security alert follows a series of attacks, including a missile strike on the US Embassy in Baghdad on Friday, March 14, 2026, which hit a helipad within the heavily fortified “Green Zone” [New York Post]. The Green Zone houses Iraqi government buildings and foreign embassies. Smoke was observed rising from the diplomatic mission following the attack [New York Post].

These attacks are occurring amidst a broader regional conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, drawing Iraq into the escalating tensions [Economic Times]. Iran-aligned militias have repeatedly targeted the International Zone in Baghdad, as well as areas around the Erbil International Airport and the Erbil consulate, in apparent retaliation for US-Israeli actions [Economic Times].

Travel Restrictions and Assistance

The Embassy has cautioned against travel to the Embassy in Baghdad or the Consulate General in Erbil due to the ongoing risk of missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace [Economic Times]. With Iraqi airspace currently closed, the US government will provide assistance to American citizens seeking to leave the country via land routes.

Recent Incidents

On Saturday, March 15, 2026, the US embassy in Baghdad was attacked by a drone [Economic Times]. Security sources as well reported a drone attack targeting the Baghdad airport complex, which houses a military base and a US diplomatic facility, but it was intercepted [Economic Times].

Continued Threats

Several Iran-aligned groups, designated as terrorist organizations by Washington, have claimed responsibility for daily drone and rocket attacks against US bases in Iraq and the region under the umbrella movement known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq [Economic Times].