The U.S. State Department warned Americans that Iran-aligned militias in Iraq may target hotels frequented by foreigners in the Kurdistan region and urged those who can to depart. Commercial flights out of Iraq are suspended, and overland or charter options are being advised where feasible. A U.S. task force says it has assisted nearly 13,000 citizens, and several evacuation flights have already returned hundreds to the United States.
U.S. Warns Iran-Aligned Militias May Target Hotels in Iraqi Kurdistan — Evacuations Underway
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable on the Ratepayer Protection Pledge in the Indian Treaty Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) on the White House campus in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 4, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
WASHINGTON, March 6 — The U.S. State Department on Friday issued a security alert warning American citizens that Iran-aligned militias in Iraq may target hotels frequented by foreigners in the Kurdistan region as U.S. authorities work to assist thousands of stranded Americans across the Middle East.
Commercial flights out of Iraq are currently suspended, the advisory said, and U.S. officials are urging those who can safely depart to do so. The embassy in Baghdad recommended that Americans who remain be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods with supplies of food, water, medication and other essentials.
"U.S. citizens in Iraq are strongly encouraged to depart as soon as they are safely able to do so," the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said. "Americans choosing not to depart should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location for extended periods. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items."
The advisory noted commercial air service from Iraq is not operating at present and suggested overland routes for those willing and able to travel by ground. The State Department said it is contacting Americans in the region to offer options including charter flights and coordinated ground travel.
President Donald Trump said on social media that the United States is moving thousands of people out of countries across the Middle East amid heightened military tensions involving the U.S., Israel and Iran. "It is being done quietly, but seamlessly," he wrote.
"Several flights have safely returned hundreds of Americans to the United States with additional flights scheduled to take place over the coming days, as security conditions allow,"
Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said a task force has "directly assisted nearly 13,000 Americans abroad, offering security guidance and travel assistance."
What U.S. Citizens Should Do
If You Can Leave Safely: Follow State Department guidance, consider charter or overland options, and register with local U.S. consular services. If You Stay: Identify a secure shelter location with sufficient supplies and keep communications devices charged and accessible.
Note: This situation remains fluid. Travelers should monitor official U.S. government alerts and local security updates, and follow the instructions of consular officials.
(Reporting by Katharine Jackson and Ryan Patrick Jones; editing by Michelle Nichols and Cynthia Osterman)
Help us improve.
