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The US Embassy in Baghdad warned of possible attacks by pro-Iranian militias, the US urges citizens to leave Iraq
A drone exploded near a hotel in Erbil just hours after the US embassy in Baghdad warned of possible attacks on facilities housing foreigners in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, CNN reported, citing security sources and local authorities.
The Kurdistan Regional Government's Counter-Terrorism Service reported that four drones were headed towards the city. Coalition forces shot down all of the drones over Erbil's airspace. The remains of one of them fell in an open area near a hotel.
Local authorities said the explosion caused no casualties. However, the incident increased tensions in the region, as Erbil's hotel area is often used by contractors and foreign employees working for international missions.
Hours before the incident, the US embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert for American citizens in Iraq. The embassy warned that Iran-linked militant groups could target hotels where foreigners stay in the autonomous Kurdistan region.
US authorities urged citizens to leave Iraq as soon as possible and to reconsider their locations if they decide to stay in the country. The embassy stressed that those who remain should be prepared to stay for extended periods in safe locations.
A pro-Iranian Islamist militant group in Iraq claimed responsibility for the drone attacks and warned it would continue to strike targets housing US troops and contractors in the country. The attacks come as Iran and its allied groups have stepped up pressure on US installations in Iraq, including the US consulate in Erbil and the US base near the city's international airport.
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