U.S. warns of possible attacks on Baghdad hotels frequented by western travelers

Washington [USA], Feb. 7 (ANI): The United States has issued a warning to travellers visiting Iraq as it has received "credible threats of possible terrorist attacks on hotels in the Iraqi capital frequently visited by western travellers". The Department of State said in a press release on Monday that U.S. embassy in Baghdad has received "credible threats of possible terrorist attacks on hotels in Baghdad", reports Sputnik International. The U.S. embassy in Baghdad also said on Monday that it has limited the movement of its personnel after receiving "credible threats of possible attacks on hotels frequented by Westerners". "As a reminder, U.S. citizens should maintain a heightened sense of security awareness and take appropriate measures to enhance their personal security at all times when living and working in Iraq," an emergency security message for U.S. citizens on the embassy's website said. However, it did not give details on the nature of threat. Earlier on January 31, the U.S. State Department had issued a warning to its citizens against all travel to Iraq. "Travel within Iraq remains very dangerous, and the ability of the Embassy to assist U.S. citizens facing difficulty is extremely limited. This supersedes the Travel Warning dated July 6, 2016," it said. U.S. citizens in Iraq are at high risk for kidnapping and terrorist violence. Anti-U.S. sectarian militias also threatened U.S. citizens and western companies throughout Iraq. Kidnappings and attacks by means of improvised explosive devices (IED) occur frequently in many areas of the country, including Baghdad. Iraq is one of seven majority-Muslim countries that are subject to U.S. President Donald Trump's temporary travel ban, which Baghdad has said is 'unfair'. (ANI)