The State Department on Friday told US citizens to leave Iraq “immediately,” after an American strike killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.
“Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, we urge US citizens to depart Iraq immediately,” the State Department tweeted.
“Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the US Embassy compound, all consular operations are suspended. US citizens should not approach the Embassy.”
The US announced on Friday that it had killed the powerful general in a strike on Baghdad’s international airport, in which the deputy chief of Iraq’s powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force also died.
Tensions with Iraq were already running high after pro-Iranian protesters laid siege the US embassy on Tuesday, reacting to weekend airstrikes that killed at least 25 fighters from the hardline Kataeb Hezbollah paramilitary group.
The strikes were in response to a 36-rocket attack last week that killed an American contractor at an Iraqi base.
The Pentagon said Soleimani had orchestrated attacks on coalition bases in Iraq over the past few months, including on December 27, the day the contractor was killed.
Soleimani “also approved the attacks” on the US embassy in Baghdad, according to the Pentagon.
The US State Department had issued a travel advisory for Iraq on January 1, warning citizens not to travel to the country.
In other news – Bonang Matheba serves early 2020 hot sauce – Pictures
As 2020 begin, media personality and businesswoman Bonang Matheba has already started with her system of exciting our ever thirsty eyes with her beautiful sense of fashion. With just 3 days into the new year, she has started and we wonder what she has for us this year.
Taking to her social media platforms she shared snaps of herself rocking in a white glittering dress which is a bit revealing, flaunting her amazing leg game. continue reading
Source: AFP
