The State Department has warned American citizens that Iran-linked militias in Iraq may try to target hotels frequented by foreigners in Iraq's Kurdistan region, as the United States tries to help thousands of Americans stranded in the Middle East, Reuters reports.
Donald Trump's administration has faced criticism for its planning and initial assistance to American citizens trying to leave the region since the US-Israeli strikes began on Saturday, to which Iran responded with attacks on neighboring countries, leading to the closure of airspace.
"American citizens in Iraq are strongly advised to leave as soon as it is safe to do so," the US Embassy in Baghdad said in a warning.
"Americans who choose not to leave should be prepared to shelter in a safe location for an extended period of time. Ensure supplies of food, water, medicine, and other essentials."
The warning states that commercial flights are currently not departing from Iraq, and suggests overland routes for those willing to leave the country.
President Donald Trump said earlier today that the United States is relocating thousands of people from countries across the Middle East amid the military conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.
"It's being done quietly, but without any problems," Trump said in a social media post, without further details.
The State Department said tonight that it continues to contact Americans in the Middle East to offer them charter flights or assistance with ground travel.
"Several flights have safely returned hundreds of Americans to the United States, and additional flights are planned in the coming days, as security conditions permit," Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said in a statement.
Johnson said the task force "has directly assisted nearly 13.000 Americans abroad, providing safety guidance and travel assistance."
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