KABUL: The United States has urged its citizens to leave Iraq and asked non-essential diplomatic staff in Oman to depart as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
According to a report by The Jerusalem Post late Saturday, the U.S. Department of State issued separate warnings regarding the presence of American citizens in Iraq and the status of non-essential staff in Oman.
A statement from the U.S. Embassy in Iraq said American citizens who choose to remain in the country are “strongly encouraged” to reconsider their decision due to significant threats from Iran-aligned militia groups.
The warning came after reports that the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was targeted in an Iranian attack on Friday, with thick smoke reportedly seen rising from the embassy compound.