United States Instructs Citizens and Military Personnel to Take Shelter in Iraq Amid Israeli Attacks on Lebanon

The United States Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, has issued instructions to all American citizens and mission personnel to take shelter in their respective locations following escalating threats from Iran-backed groups operating in Iraq.

“The US mission in Iraq recommends American citizens increase vigilance, maintain a low profile, and shelter in a secure location until further notice,” stated the embassy in an official statement. All mission staff have also been instructed to follow the same guidance.

The embassy warned that terrorist militias aligned with Iran continue to pose a significant threat to public safety in Iraq.

Tensions escalated following clashes between hundreds of pro-Iran demonstrators and security forces near the embassy. Authorities reported that demonstrators fired live ammunition, injuring security personnel. This represented the second attempt by demonstrators to breach the area, following earlier morning clashes involving large contingents of security forces.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East have also intensified in Lebanon, where the Israeli military announced it has begun striking “Hezbollah terror targets across Lebanon”. Massive explosions rocked the capital, Beirut, accompanied by large plumes of smoke rising into the sky.

The Israeli military announced the killing of Hussein Makled, Hezbollah’s intelligence chief, in Beirut. The US military reported a fourth service member killed from wounds sustained in operations against Iranian forces.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam strongly condemned the launching of rockets from southern Lebanon towards Israel on 2 March 2026.