The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has urged all United States citizens to leave Iraq immediately due to imminent threats from Iran-aligned militias.

The warning follows reports of the kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, allegedly by militants linked to Kataib Hezbollah.

Officials say militias may target Americans, infrastructure, and locations associated with the U.S., with risks of further attacks and abductions.

Travel is complicated by closed airspace, though overland routes to neighboring countries remain open despite expected delays, NBC News has reported.

The situation highlights escalating security risks in Iraq amid rising regional tensions involving Iran-backed groups.