What was issued?
The U.S. Consulate in Erbil released an urgent security alert to its citizens concerning calls for protests in Erbil city and other areas within the Kurdistan Region, urging them to take strict precautionary measures.
Key advice and warnings in the statement:
Avoid approaching or participating in demonstrations and large gatherings.
Leave the area immediately if you are near any sudden gathering.
Exercise caution, remain calm, and avoid drawing attention.
Follow updates through local media to stay informed of the latest developments.
Reminder: The U.S. Department of State classifies travel to Iraq—including the Kurdistan Region—as Level Four (“Do Not Travel”) due to risks of terrorism, kidnapping, conflict, and civil unrest, with limited ability of the U.S. mission to provide assistance.
Why was this warning issued now?
The consulate’s warning comes at a time when the region is witnessing calls for protests in response to regional events, particularly the escalation of conflict in Syria, alongside solidarity demonstrations outside the U.S. Consulate in Erbil against Syrian army attacks on SDF forces and Kurdish areas there.
Summary:
The U.S. Consulate is urging American citizens—and any visitors or residents who may be affected by the events—to avoid protest sites and large gatherings, monitor the security situation closely, and be prepared to act quickly in case of any unrest.