(NewsNation) — The State Department issued a “do not travel” warning for Iraq on Thursday, telling Americans not to travel to the country due to threats of violence.
The U.S. pulled some troops and nonessential embassy personnel out of Iraq on Wednesday, citing tension in the region.
There are signs Israel is preparing to launch an attack on Iran, which could result in retaliatory attacks on U.S. installations in the region.
The advisory warned of potential terrorist attacks, kidnappings, armed conflict, civil unrest and aerial bombardment in Iraq. Americans were also warned not to travel through Iraq to engage in armed conflict in Syria.
U.S. government officials have also been prohibited from using the airport in Baghdad.
The State Department warned that citizens who choose to travel to Iraq cannot rely on government assistance. Suggestions for those who decide to go to the country anyway include having a personal security plan, establishing a last will and testament and providing DNA samples to a medical provider in case it is needed for identification.