After partial evacuation of Baghdad embassy amid Iran threat, US says Committed to partner with Iraq

The US on Wednesday ordered all non-emergency staff to leave its embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil, amid an alleged Iran threat even as allies appeared less than convinced.

Donald Trump (Source: PTI)

New Delhi: The United States has said that it remains committed to partnering with Iraqis to “advance mutual interests,” hours after ordering a partial evacuation of the embassy in Baghdad and Erbil on Wednesday. A State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying: “Given the increased threat stream in Iraq, which we shared with Iraqi government during the Secretary’s visit on May 7 and in subsequent engagements, Secretary has decided to place Mission Iraq on ordered departure,” by news agency ANI. "Mission Iraq will have limited ability to provide emergency services to American citizens in Iraq...Ensuring the safety of US government personnel and US citizens and security of our facilities are our highest priorities," they added. "We remain committed to partnering with Iraqis to advance our mutual interests," the spokesperson lastly said. The US on Wednesday ordered all non-emergency staff to leave its embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil, amid an alleged Iran threat even as allies appeared less than convinced. The embassy evacuation came 10 days after Trump's national security advisor John Bolton announced the military deployment in response to intelligence on an unspecified "imminent" plot by Iran to attack US forces or allies. The State Department warned Wednesday of numerous "terrorist and insurgent groups" active in the country, including "anti-US sectarian militias" who could "threaten US citizens and Western companies throughout Iraq.