Level 4 ‘Do not travel’ warning issued for Middle Eastern country, kidnappings among concerns
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Level 4 ‘Do not travel’ warning issued for Middle Eastern country, kidnappings among concerns
A Level 4 travel advisory is the most serious on the State Department’s four-tier scale. The advisory notes the agency has already ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Iraq. The warning says those who choose to go to Iraq should not travel near armed groups or Iraq’s northern borders. The Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq has threatened that anyone caught illegally crossing the Iraq-Syria border faces up to 10 years in prison.”U.S citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping,” the warning says.
“U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies,” reads a portion of the warning.
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The advisory states terrorism attacks can occur in major cities at any time and may involve improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The warning says those who choose to go to Iraq should not travel near armed groups or Iraq’s northern borders due to:
Continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups.
Armed conflict.
Aerial bombardment.
Civil unrest.
Visitors are also warned not to travel through Iraq to engage in armed conflict in Syria. The Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq has threatened that anyone caught illegally crossing the Iraq-Syria border faces up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. government personnel remaining in Iraq to live and work are required to use armed security and are prohibited from using Baghdad International Airport over safety concerns.
Americans who choose to ignore the warning are advised to:
Establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.
Have departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return to the United States as planned.
A Level 4 travel advisory is the most serious on the State Department’s four-tier scale.