Australians have been cautioned about a potential threat linked to Iran in central Baghdad. The Australian government has advised anyone currently in Iraq to steer clear of military and energy facilities, as well as sites connected to Israeli, Jewish, and U.S. interests.

The warning was disseminated on Thursday evening for Iraq, which remains under a “do not travel” advisory according to the Smartraveller service managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

“On April 2, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad released a security notice indicating that Iraqi militia groups with ties to Iran might be planning attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours,” the advisory stated.

Those in Iraq are advised to take shelter and stay indoors as much as they can while keeping a close watch on the situation as it unfolds.

“Stay alert to your surroundings and avoid areas related to government, military, or energy sectors, including oil production sites,” the alert recommended. “Steer clear of U.S. diplomatic missions and other locations linked to Israeli, Jewish, and U.S. interests.”

The notice also highlighted a significant risk of kidnapping throughout the country, with foreigners in cafes, hotels, and restaurants being particularly vulnerable.

Academics, journalists and aid workers are at a higher risk, it said.

American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad this week, reportedly from a street outside a hotel. US authorities have said they suspect she was taken by members of an Iranian-backed militia group.

Authorities are searching the city for her, police officials say.

On terrorism, the alert warned that attacks could occur at any time and in any location, with militia groups known to target hotels frequented by foreigners in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

The International Zone in central Baghdad — a heavily fortified area in central Baghdad housing foreign embassies, government buildings and international organisations — remains closed with limited exceptions.

What Australians should do

While the Australian government has urged all Australians to leave Iraq, Smartraveller has warned those still in the country to exercise caution at checkpoints and consider any exit route carefully.

“Exercise extreme caution at checkpoints throughout Iraq,” the update said. “Criminals and terrorists have also used false security checkpoints to stage kidnappings, robberies and murders or launch attacks.”

It also issued a warning on plans to leave Iraq.

Iraq closed its airspace on 28 February after the United States and Israel launched major airstrikes on Iran. All commercial flights are currently suspended.

“There are no risk-free options for leaving Iraq, and the security situation can change quickly,” the alert warned, urging Australians to verify the status of any border crossing before attempting to leave by air, land or sea.

“Consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any route and you should make your own assessment whether it’s safe for you to travel in current circumstances,” it said.

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