US warns Iranian-backed militias could target Americans in Iraq

Iranian-backed militias could be planning to carry out imminent attacks on civilian targets with American ties in Iraq, according to a new warning from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

“U.S. citizens should leave Iraq now,” the Thursday warning reads, adding that terrorist militias “have targeted Americans for kidnapping,” which is what happened to American journalist Shelly Kittleson earlier this week.

“They may intend to target U.S. citizens, businesses, universities, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports, and other locations perceived to be associated with the United States, as well as Iraqi institutions and civilian targets,” it continues, adding that they “may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours.”

(Graphic by Grace Hagerman/Washington Examiner)

Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, such as Kataib Hezbollah, have fired drones and rockets at U.S. forces in the region amid the joint U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which has now gone on for more than a month.