WASHINGTON,— The U.S. State Department warned Friday that Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq could target hotels often used by foreigners in the country’s Kurdistan region in Iraq’s north.
The alert comes as American authorities work to help thousands of U.S. citizens stranded in the Middle East amid rising tensions.
The Trump administration has faced criticism over its early planning and response to evacuating U.S. citizens after U.S.-Israeli strikes last Saturday prompted retaliatory attacks by Iran on neighboring countries.
These events also caused airspace closures across parts of the region.
A statement from the U.S. embassy in Baghdad urged Americans in Iraq to leave the country as soon as it is safe.
The embassy said those who decide to stay should be ready to shelter in place for extended periods and have sufficient supplies of food, water, medicines, and other necessities.
The advisory noted that commercial flights are not operating from Iraq at this time. Americans willing to leave may need to consider overland travel to exit the country.
On Friday, President Donald Trump said the U.S. is evacuating thousands of people from Middle Eastern countries affected by the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
Trump wrote on social media that the operation is being carried out “quietly, but seamlessly” but did not provide further details.
Later in the day, the State Department said it continues to contact Americans in the region to provide assistance with charter flights or overland travel.
Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said several flights have safely returned hundreds of Americans to the United States, with more flights planned in the coming days as security conditions allow.
Johnson added that a State Department task force has directly assisted nearly 13,000 Americans abroad, offering both travel help and security guidance.
(With files from Reuters)
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