US State Department Advises Against Travel to Iraq After Increased Attacks on Personnel, Withdraws Non-Emergency Staff

US amplifies military presence in the Middle East amid escalating violence spurred by Hamas-Israel conflict, driven by Iran-backed militias targeting American troops and interests in Iraq.

The US State Department has advised Americans against travelling to Iraq due to increased attacks on US military and personnel, classifying the country under its highest level 4: Do Not Travel advisory due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest.
The advisory comes after the ordered departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel from its embassy in Baghdad and consulate general in Erbil over increased security threats targeting American government officials and interests.
The decision is propelled by escalating violence spurred by the Hamas-Israel conflict, with Iran-backed militias targeting American troops and interests in Iraq, resulting in U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin redirecting the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East.
US and Iran are caught in high alert for activity by Iran-backed groups, causing regional tensions amid the Israel-Hamas war, following which U.S. has sent a significant amount of naval power including two aircraft carriers, their support ships, and about 2,000 Marines to the Middle East.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the Biden administration is concerned about the surge in attacks against U.S. personnel by Iranian proxies and expects the threat to escalate. To mitigate the situation, steps are being taken by the US to defend their people and respond decisively if needed.