ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United States on Monday warned of a growing threat to its interests abroad, with the US Embassy in Baghdad saying more American personnel have left Iraq in recent days amid an “increased potential” for attacks on US businesses and locations frequented by Americans. “There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution,” the State Department said in a statement. The security warning comes amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. On Sunday, the United States struck Iran’s three main nuclear sites, one of which houses the country’s most advanced centrifuges. The strikes followed Iranian retaliation for Israel’s June 13 killing of several senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. “As part of our ongoing effort to streamline operations, additional personnel departed Iraq on June 21 and 22,” the US Embassy in Baghdad said in a statement on Sunday. When the conflict broke out, a US Embassy spokesperson told Rudaw that they remain open despite the escalations. The embassy in Baghdad and the US Consulate General in Erbil have “temporarily suspended all routine visa services” but continue to provide consular services for US citizens, the statement added. “There is increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence or attacks against US businesses and locations frequented by US citizens,” the embassy said, urging Americans in Iraq to avoid locations popular with foreigners and to steer clear of large gatherings or crowds. The embassy also provided instructions for US citizens seeking to leave Iraq through neighboring Turkey and Kuwait, as flights remain suspended inside the country. The US Embassy in Ankara also advised American personnel in Turkey to “maintain a low profile.” In past periods of heightened tensions between the US and regional powers, US diplomatic missions, personnel, and businesses in Iraq and Turkey have faced increased threats, including rocket fire, violent protests, and evacuations. American facilities have occasionally been targeted by militias or mobs, and some US-linked companies have suspended operations due to security concerns. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel’s initial attack on Iran last week, saying Ankara would continue efforts to stop Israel’s “aggression” and warned against provoking Turkey.
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