The U.S. State Department has recently ordered the departure of all non-emergency government personnel from Iraq amid the recent upheaval initiated by Iranian military strikes.
The announcement on the State Department website said the order includes U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, and members of the U.S. government. It warns that more strikes may occur in the coming days and weeks and that there is a significant threat of terrorism and instability throughout Iraq.
This order is a direct response to Iran’s ongoing aggression towards U.S. interests in the region. On January 3rd, Iran launched several missiles at two military bases in Iraq that housed U.S. and allied troops, the Pentagon said.
The United States has since deployed additional troops to Iraq to protect American forces in the country. But the State Department warning provides further evidence that the Trump administration is increasingly nervous about the security of its personnel in Iraq.
U.S. government personnel and travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling in Iraq. The website warns travelers to limit their activities and remain vigilant when traveling in the country.
The State Department has also issued new travel restrictions to Iraq. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to certain parts of the country and are further warned not to engage in any activities deemed risky or provocative.
This recent order from the State Department demonstrates how concerned the U.S. is about the security and stability of Iraq. It appears that the Trump administration is taking a cautious approach towards the situation and is working to ensure the safety of its personnel in the country. This is a wise decision given the current state of the region.