Australians have been warned of an imminent Iran-linked attack threat in central Baghdad, with the Australian government urging anyone in Iraq to avoid military and energy infrastructure, as well as locations associated with Israeli, Jewish and US interests.
The alert was issued on Thursday evening for Iraq, which remains under a 'do not travel' advisory on the Smartraveller platform run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
"On 2 April, the US Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert advising that Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours," the update read.
Those in Iraq are urged to shelter in place, remain indoors as much as possible and monitor developments closely.
"Stay aware of your environment and avoid government, military or energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities," the alert said. "Avoid US diplomatic missions and other locations associated with Israeli, Jewish and US interests."
The update also flagged a high kidnapping threat across the country, particularly targeting foreigners in places such as cafes, hotels and restaurants.
Academics, journalists and aid workers are at a higher risk, it said.
American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad this week, reportedly from a street outside a hotel. US authorities have said they suspect she was taken by members of an Iranian-backed militia group.
Authorities are searching the city for her, police officials say.
On terrorism, the alert warned that attacks could occur at any time and in any location, with militia groups known to target hotels frequented by foreigners in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
The International Zone in central Baghdad — a heavily fortified area in central Baghdad housing foreign embassies, government buildings and international organisations — remains closed with limited exceptions.
What Australians should do
While the Australian government has urged all Australians to leave Iraq, Smartraveller has warned those still in the country to exercise caution at checkpoints and consider any exit route carefully.
"Exercise extreme caution at checkpoints throughout Iraq," the update said. "Criminals and terrorists have also used false security checkpoints to stage kidnappings, robberies and murders or launch attacks."
It also issued a warning on plans to leave Iraq.
Iraq closed its airspace on 28 February after the United States and Israel launched major airstrikes on Iran. All commercial flights are currently suspended.
"There are no risk-free options for leaving Iraq, and the security situation can change quickly," the alert warned, urging Australians to verify the status of any border crossing before attempting to leave by air, land or sea.
"Consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any route and you should make your own assessment whether it's safe for you to travel in current circumstances," it said.
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