US embassy in Baghdad issues fresh security alert, warns Iraqi airspace could close without notice

The US embassy in Baghdad issued a fresh security alert on Wednesday 29 July 2026 urging American citizens not to travel to Iraq. The alert states that Iraq remains under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory, a level set on the basis of risks from terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict and civil unrest, as well as the limited ability of the US government to provide emergency services there.

The embassy asked American citizens in Iraq to maintain the highest level of vigilance and warned that travel disruption or closure of Iraqi airspace could occur without prior notice.

The alert followed pre-dawn air strikes on Wednesday against several locations in Iraq, for which the United States and Saudi Arabia claimed responsibility in a joint statement, and after which the Popular Mobilization Forces operations command reported dead and wounded among its personnel and damage to facilities. The prospect of airspace closure matters directly for Arbaeen flight routes and for overland transit between Iran and Iraq.