US asks citizens to leave Iraq over killing of Iranian general

The United States has asked its citizens in Iraq to leave the middle-east country immediately.

This comes a few hours after Qasem Soleimani (pictured), a top military commander in Iran, was killed in an airstrike at the Baghdad International Airport.

The Pentagon said the attack was ordered by President Donald Trump and carried out to deter “future Iranian attack plans”.

In a tweet, the US department of state asked the citizens to avoid the embassy as all consular operations have been suspended in Iraq.

“#Iraq: Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, we urge U.S. citizens to depart Iraq immediately,” the department of state tweeted.

“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.

“U.S. citizens in Iraq or concerned about loved ones in Iraq can contact the Department of State. Avoid the U.S. Embassy in #Baghdad. Monitor local and international media for updates.

#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. pic.twitter.com/rdRce3Qr4a

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

The White House had said Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.

General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. https://t.co/Me5DMvMgSp

— The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) January 3, 2020