Increased Risk of Kidnapping

July 15, 2011

The U.S. Embassy wants to apprise all U.S. citizens of the potential for increased kidnapping operations throughout Iraq, including Basrah and other metropolitan areas.  The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens in all areas of Iraq maintain a heightened sense of security awareness and take appropriate measures to enhance personal and operational security at this time.

All U.S. citizens in Iraq, including those working on contract for the U.S. Government, are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following web site: https://travelregistration.state.gov.  U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy, located in the International Zone, via e-mail to BaghdadACS@state.gov.  In the event of a U.S. citizen emergency that cannot wait until the next business day, the emergency number is:  0770-443-1286 (as dialed within Iraq) or 011-964-770-443-1286 (as dialed from within the United States).

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Iraq, and health-information resources can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or for callers in other areas by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).