United States Embassy Warns of Imminent Attacks in Baghdad

The US Embassy in Baghdad warned citizens on Thursday that Iran-linked militias in Iraq "may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours". 

The embassy said the attacks could target "US 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 was not the first statement issued by the embassy urging US citizens to leave Iraq, but the warning about potential attacks was unusually specific.

An American freelance journalist, Shelly Kittleson, was kidnapped in Baghdad on Tuesday and remains missing. No group has claimed responsibility, but US officials have blamed the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia for her abduction.