U.S. Embassy in Iraq warns of possible attacks, accuses "elements associated with" the government of complicity

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad warned in a new alert on Monday that Iran-linked militias are plotting attacks against U.S. citizens "and targets associated with the United States" across Iraq.

In the security alert, posted online, the embassy also accused "some elements associated with the Iraqi government" of actively providing "political, financial, and operational cover for these terrorist militias."

Iraqi airspace reopened after the two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire came into effect – which is due to expire Wednesday – with limited commercial flights running. But U.S. citizens considering flying to, from, or over Iraq "should be aware of the ongoing risk of missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace," the embassy warned. 

The embassy also reiterated its warning to U.S. citizens not to travel to Iraq for any reason, and to "leave now if you are there," and the alert offered guidance on various options to do so.