US nationals advised not to travel to Iraq

WASHINGTON - 2 January 2019: The US warned on Thursday its nationals against traveling to Iraq citing heightened tensions, acts of terrorism and armed conflicts.

"The US nationals are at a high risk for violence and kidnapping. Numerous terrorist and insurgent groups are active in Iraq and regularly attack both Iraqi security forces and civilians," the travel advisory released by the US embassy in Baghdad said.

Anti-U.S. sectarian militias may also threaten U.S. citizens and Western companies throughout Iraq. Attacks by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) occur in many areas of the country, including Baghdad, it added.

On Tuesday, the Embassy suspended public consular services, until further notice, as a result of damage done by Iranian-backed terrorist attacks on the Embassy compound.