The State Department has instructed Americans still in Iraq to leave the country immediately, a warning that comes after a missile struck the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
“Iran-aligned terrorist militias have encouraged and conducted indiscriminate attacks on U.S. citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq, including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). U.S. citizens should leave Iraq now,” a security alert from the agency said.
They also urged Americans not to travel to the embassy or the U.S. consulate in Erbil, citing Iranian missile and drone attacks. All “routine” services at both of the offices are suspended regardless, the State Department added.
The agency advised Americans to travel by land to either Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or Turkey, given that Iraqi airspace is closed at least until Monday.
“Land borders are generally open. Travelers should expect long delays. Local ground transportation options are functioning. Americans should depart now via one of these overland routes,” it said.
SIX US TROOPS KILLED IN IRAQ MILITARY PLANE CRASH IDENTIFIED
The alert from the State Department comes as the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, the largest U.S. diplomatic building in the world, sustained damage after a missile breached its air defense system and hit a helipad.
Footage in the aftermath of the strike shows flames and smoke rising from the top of the building, though no injuries were reported.
