Due to the assassination of top Iranian commander, Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad, the US State Department on Friday told US citizens to leave Iraq immediately and suspended all consular operations.

The State Department in  tweet, said “Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, we urge US citizens to depart Iraq immediately,”

“Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the US Embassy compound, all consular operations are suspended. US citizens should not approach the Embassy,” it stated.

See tweet:

#Iraq: Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, we urge U.S. citizens to depart Iraq immediately. Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the U.S. Embassy compound, all consular operations are suspended. U.S. citizens should not approach the Embassy.

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) January 3, 2020