The US alerts its citizens in Iraq of the risk of “kidnapping” in the midst of the conflict due to the offensive against Iran

The US Embassy in Iraq has alerted its citizens in the country on Wednesday of the risk of “kidnapping” amid the increase in tensions due to the conflict unleashed in the Middle East due to the offensive launched by surprise on February 28 by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Thus, it has stressed in a new travel alert that “Iran and terrorist groups aligned with Iran continue to pose a significant threat to public safety”, so “US citizens are asked to remain alert, maintain a low profile and stay away from areas where they may be a target.”

“Congregating in areas associated with the United States or with groups of other American citizens can put them at risk. There have been attacks against American citizens and interests in Iraq and Americans face the risk of kidnapping,” he said.

In this sense, he stressed that “American companies, hotels frequented by foreigners and other facilities in Iraq, including those with ties to the United States, have been attacked,” while “critical infrastructure throughout Iraq has also been targeted.”

“For President (Donald) Trump, Secretary of State (Marco) Rubio and the State Department, the security of American citizens is the top priority,” he said, while stressing that Washington “continuously evaluates additional options to help American citizens leave the Middle East.”