Insights

Avoid all non-essential travel in Iraq

On 14 June, the US Department of State issued an updated travel warning for Iraq, reiterating their advice to avoid all travel within the country due to the high risk of terrorist violence and kidnapping. “Numerous terrorist and insurgent groups are active in Iraq, including ISIS (also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria or as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, ISIL, Islamic State and Iraq ash-Sham, or Da'esh). Such groups regularly attack both Iraqi security forces and civilians… Methods of attack have included explosively formed penetrators, magnetic IEDs placed on vehicles, human and vehicle-borne IEDs, mines placed on or concealed near roads, mortars and rockets, and gunfire. Such attacks often take place in public places, including cafes and markets. Facilities of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the U.S. government, and western interests remain possible targets.” The full advisory can be read HERE.

Those who plan to travel to or within Iraq are advised to maintain a heightened sense of security and to take the appropriate measures to enhance their personal security at all times, due to the serious threat of kidnapping and terrorist violence in the country. Be aware of the potential for both indiscriminate and planned coordinated terror attacks to take place. Take particular care when in proximity to areas populated with westerners.