The US Embassy in Baghdad issued an emergency alert urging all American citizens to depart Iraq immediately. A statement dated April 2, 2026, cited specific intelligence indicating a high likelihood of terrorist attacks in the capital within the next 24–48 hours. Diplomats pointed to threats from Iraqi armed formations allied with Iran that could target US citizens and US-linked facilities.
According to the warning, Iranian proxy militias have already carried out large-scale attacks against American interests across Iraq, including in Kurdistan. At risk are not only diplomatic facilities but also companies, universities, energy infrastructure, hotels and airports. The embassy specifically highlighted the threat of abductions of Americans, making the situation even more dangerous and necessitating immediate departure.
The document expressed serious concern about the ability of Iraqi authorities to control the situation and protect foreign missions. It alleges that the Iraqi government failed to prevent previous attacks, and that some members of armed groups may have links to state structures or even hold official credentials. This undermines confidence in local security forces.
Despite a mandatory evacuation of some personnel, the US diplomatic mission continues to operate in a limited capacity to assist remaining citizens. However, Americans are strictly prohibited from visiting the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil due to ongoing threats, including rocket fire and drone attacks. The highest, fourth level travel advisory is in effect: "Do not travel to Iraq under any circumstances. If you are there, leave immediately."
At the same time, the Iraqi group "Сарайя Авлия ад-Дам" ("Saraya Awliya al-Dam" / "Brigades of the Guardians of Blood") announced that over the past day it carried out six "quality operations" against American targets both inside Iraq and beyond. This statement confirms the reality of the threats and demonstrates an overt escalation of violence directed at the American presence in the region, further heightening tensions.
The warning comes against the backdrop of an ongoing regional conflict. It is now the 34th day of the war between the US/Israel coalition on one side and Iran on the other. US President Donald Trump said in a televised address that the country is preparing to deliver "very powerful" strikes against Iran in the next two to three weeks with the goal of destroying its remaining military capabilities. This rhetoric points to further escalation, which directly affects security in Iraq.
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Which specific Iranian proxy militias are most active in Iraq and what is their official connection to the Iranian government? - The most active Iranian proxy militias in Iraq are Hashd al-Shaabi (the Popular Mobilization Forces), which include groups such as Kata'ib Hezbollah, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba and the Badr Brigades. Iran officially denies direct control over these groups, but they receive funding, weapons and training from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), especially its Quds Force. Many of these groups were formally incorporated into Iraqi security structures after their legalization in 2016.
What is the "Сарайя Авлия ад-Дам" group and what is its role in Iran’s network of influence in Iraq? - "Сарайя Авлия ад-Дам" (Saraya Awliya al-Dam / Brigades of the Guardians of Blood) is an Iraqi Shia armed group formed in 2019. It is part of the "Resistance Forces in Iraq" network and is closely linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. The group functions as one of the tools of Iranian influence, carrying out attacks against American targets in Iraq and participating in the transport of weapons between Iran and Iran-backed groups in the region. Its name symbolically refers to vengeance for the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
What were the key events that led to the current 34-day war between the US/Israel coalition and Iran mentioned in the article? - Key events leading to the escalation include: 1) The US drone killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad in January 2020; 2) Attacks by Iran-backed groups on US facilities in Iraq and Syria; 3) An increase in Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria; 4) Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Gaza war; 5) Direct exchanges of strikes between Iran and Israel in April 2024, including an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel and Israeli retaliatory strikes on Iran.
Full version: واشنطن تطلب من رعاياها مغادرة العراق "فورا" وسط تهديدات بهجمات وشيكة