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U.S. State Department security message to U.S. citizens

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that Iraq remains at high risk for kidnapping and terrorist violence. Recent reports indicate that militant groups may be surveilling U.S. citizens for possible kidnapping operations, particularly oil company employees working in Basrah Province, Iraq. The groups may be focused on U.S. citizens at hotels in the Basrah area. […]

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad released the following security message:

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that Iraq remains at high risk for kidnapping and terrorist violence. Recent reports indicate that militant groups may be surveilling U.S. citizens for possible kidnapping operations, particularly oil company employees working in Basrah Province, Iraq. The groups may be focused on U.S. citizens at hotels in the Basrah area. We encourage all U.S. citizens to review the existing travel warning for Iraq and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety if travel to Iraq is necessary.

U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General Erbil. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.