US urges its citizens in Iraq to avoid crowds

WASHINGTON

The US Embassy in Baghdad issued a heightened security alert on Sunday, urging Americans in Iraq to avoid crowds, citing increased threats.

The embassy "is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence or attacks against U.S. businesses and locations frequented by U.S. citizens," the embassy said.

It urged all US citizens in Iraq to avoid "locations frequented by foreigners and any large gatherings or crowds."

"We will continue to assess the situation and provide additional information as needed. The Travel Advisory for Iraq remains Level 4: Do Not Travel. U.S. citizens should not travel to Iraq for any reason," it added.

Meanwhile, the Iranian-backed Iraqi Hezbollah militia issued a warning that US regional interests and bases would come under attack if Washington assists Israel in its strikes on Iran, according to Iran's official Press TV.

Iran “does not need military support from others to confront the Israeli regime and that if the US enters the war, the resistance forces will directly target American interests and bases in the region,” the group said in a statement.

It added that “all movements by the US military in the region are being closely monitored and that if the US decides to intervene, American interests and bases in the region will be attacked without any hesitation.”

Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, early Friday, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes. Israel has expanded attacks to include Iran's oil and gas industry as well.

According to Iran, at least 128 people were killed and 900 others injured in Israeli attacks since Friday.

Israeli authorities said at least 13 people were killed and more than 370 others injured in Iranian missile attacks.