Potential targets of civilians, businesses, universities: US Embassy in Baghdad warns of attacks in the city in the next 24 to 48 hours – The

The US Embassy in Baghdad warned on Thursday that armed groups loyal to Iran may carry out attacks in the city within the next 24 to 48 hours, and called on American citizens to leave Iraq immediately.The embassy said in a statement on the X website, “Iraqi terrorist militia groups allied with Iran may intend to launch attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours.”She added that such groups have previously targeted US citizens and sites linked to the United States, and may target companies, universities, diplomatic missions, energy sites, hotels and airports.She added that “terrorist militias targeted Americans by kidnapping,” warning that some attackers may impersonate Iraqi government officials.

The embassy stressed that “American citizens must leave Iraq now” and reminded them of the Level 4 warning, “Do not travel.”This warning comes amid escalating tensions in the region. US President Donald Trump also said on Wednesday that US forces would continue to strike Iran “very aggressively” over the next two or three weeks, even as he claimed US targets had been met or exceeded.

Groups allied with Iran, such as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and the Popular Mobilization Forces, have launched hundreds of drone and missile attacks on US bases in Iraq, such as Harir and Erbil, in response to US and Israeli strikes on Iran since late February 2026.

The situation has also affected the Iraqi economy, especially in the southern Basra Governorate, where most of the country’s oil is produced. After a month of conflict, oil fields and ports have slowed down sharply, with frequent missile and drone activity in the skies.Iraq depends on oil for about 90% of its budget, but exports were affected by Iran’s prevention of the movement of goods through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil production in southern Iraq fell by more than 70 percent, while imports through ports fell by half.