WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US citizens should avoid traveling to Iraq amid the country’s deteriorating security situation, the Department of State announced in a statement.
"The Department of State warns US citizens against all but essential travel to Iraq," the statement read Friday. "Travel within Iraq remains very dangerous given the security situation."
The State Department warned that Iraq is at "high risk" for travelers due to threats of kidnapping and terrorist-related violence by active extremist groups including the Islamic State (Daesh), also known by its Arabic acronym Daesh.
"US Government facilities, and western interests remain possible targets," the State Department added.
Washington’s warning comes as US forces fight Daesh insurgents in Iraq, an operation that has been ongoing since August 2014.
