US 'urges' citizens to leave Iraq 'immediately' amid fears of retaliation

United States Embassy in Iraq has urged American citizens to depart from Iraq 'immediately' on January 3 amidst escalated tensions between US and Iran over killing of one of its top commanders, Qassem Soleimani by American troops. As confirmed by White House and Pentagon, he of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was killed by US air raid at Baghd's international airport on Friday, along with six ors. To assert furr, US President posted a picture of country's flag on his Twitter account. However, Iran called it “malice and stupidity of American terrorist forces”.

According to official website, statement re, “Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and region, U.S. Embassy urges American citizens to heed  January 2020 Travel visory and depart Iraq immediately.  U.S. citizens should depart via airline while possible, and failing that, to or countries via land.”

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US Embassy in Baghd furr ded that due to Iran-backed militia attacks at embassy compound, American 'should t approach' Embassy. However, statement says that U.S. Consulate General in Erbil is open for visa and American Citizen Services appointments, including passport issuance. While ding 'actions to take' US Embassy asks American citizens to 'do t travel to Iraq and avoid US Embassy'. 

Re - Iran's Supreme Leer Khamenei Vows 'severe Revenge' After US Kills Soleimani

Iran warns US of 'repercussions'

Citing a Revolutionary Guard statement, Iranian state television said Soleimani was 'martyred' in an attack by US helicopters near airport, without elaborating. Soon after, visor to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that US must wait for 'repercussions' for crossing 'red line.' strike also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Iran-backed militias in Iraq kwn as Popular Mobilization Forces, or PMF, officials said. On January 3, Iran's Supreme Leer Khamenei declared three days of mourning for Soleimani and threatened US saying 'a harsh retaliation is waiting'. In strong condemnation, Iran's Foreign Minister Jav Zarif called act, orchestrated by Trump, as 'international terrorism' and 'foolish escalation.'

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