Iraq Country Report

There are a number of threat dynamics in Iraq, including armed conflict, terrorism, civil unrest, crime, environmental, health and medical and transportation hazards. Geopolitical tensions are elevated after the US staged an airstrike that killed Iran’s top security and intelligence commander, Qassem Suleimani, in Baghdad on January 3, 2020. The attack resulted in increased anti-US sentiment, and Iran retaliated days later with a missile strike on military bases hosting US troops in Anbar and Erbil provinces. It is likely Iran-backed Shiite groups will continue to periodically target US military and diplomatic interests in the country as they aim to force a US withdraw from the region. The Israel-Hamas conflict has also resulted in heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The conflict in Israel is unlikely to impact Iraq directly. However, Iran-backed proxy groups in the country have significantly escalated their attacks against US military interests in the country. Such attacks will almost certainly continue for the duration of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Government forces have retaken control of most of the territory that came under de-facto Kurdish control when the Islamic State (IS) overran northern Iraq in June 2014. Security forces continue to carry out military operations against IS cells in northern and eastern Iraq. There is an extreme risk of terrorism and IS remains a threat throughout Iraq, primarily in western provinces; however, attacks in major cities including Baghdad remain possible. On January 21, 2021, IS claimed responsibility for a twin suicide bombing in central Baghdad's Tayaran Square. A total of 32 people were killed and an estimated 100 others injured. Numerous terror attacks in Baghdad have also been claimed by IS in 2021. Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), government officials, security installations, public areas and religious events are repeatedly targeted in suicide and car bomb attacks.

The crime threat, including armed robbery and carjacking, remains high. There have been reports of criminals and militias kidnapping locals, foreign workers, and members of international organizations and requesting a ransom. Efforts by the government to integrate the largely Shiite Popular Mobilization Units (PMUs) into the Iraqi Army are likely to be met with resistance. Protests over corruption, working conditions and poor service delivery occur throughout Iraq, especially in Baghdad, Basra, and Iraqi Kurdistan. Demonstrations can result in property damage, injuries, and fatalities.

Most hospitals and emergency medical services do not meet Western standards. Dust storms, which can reduce visibility and disrupt travel, occur frequently during the spring. The temperature in the summer months can be extreme and may be accompanied by power outages. Flooding is common during the winter.

Geopolitical tensions remain elevated after the US staged an airstrike that killed Iran’s top security and intelligence commander, Major General Qassem Suleimani, in Baghdad on January 3, 2020. The attack resulted in increased anti-US sentiment, and it is likely Iran-backed Shiite groups will continue to target US military and diplomatic interests in the country in retaliation.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The conflict in Israel is unlikely to impact Iraq directly. However, Iran-backed proxy groups in the country have significantly escalated their attacks against US military interests in the country. Such attacks will almost certainly continue for the duration of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

International coalition forces are conducting military operations against insurgents in northern and eastern Iraq. Mass fatality terrorist attacks occur occasionally in Baghdad. ISF, government officials, Shia Muslims and religious sites are repeatedly targeted. Security measures in and around the International Zone (IZ or Green Zone) area of central Baghdad and Baghdad International Airport (BGW) mean that relative to the rest of the city these areas are more stable. Travelers not employing the highest levels of personal security protection face a severe risk from criminal activity, including car-jacking, kidnapping and robbery.

Protests can turn violent with little warning, resulting in deaths and injuries. Large-scale and violent nationwide unrest denouncing the government and calling for an overhaul to the political system began in October 2019 eventually forcing the resignation of the prime minister. As a result, the country found itself in a five-month period of political stalemate until May 2020. Civil unrest related to Iraq's political situation will likely persist in the medium to long term as protesters continue to exert pressure in an attempt to enact reforms.

Conflict and terrorism can affect the safety of aircraft and airports. Several carriers have suspended operations. Flight schedules can change with little or no warning.

Road travel is severely limited due to insecurity, and most travelers make extensive private arrangements, including the use of armed security for their protection.

According to the Ports Quality and Competitiveness Indicator, Iraqi ports are placed among the worst ports in the world regarding efficiency.

Iraq's infrastructure suffered over two decades in which war and comprehensive economic sanctions took their toll. Electricity, water and sewerage sectors are poorly maintained and underdeveloped.

There are increasing concerns over the threat from cyber-attacks, which can cause damage to the country's economy.

Iraq has a hot, dry climate characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters. The temperatures are more or less similar throughout the country except in the mountain areas in the northeast. Heavy rainfall can trigger flooding. Dust storms can hinder visibility and disrupt travel. Insurgents have planted hundreds of IEDs in northern and western Iraq. The border areas with Turkey and Iran are heavily mined.

Health facilities in major cities are limited and are very basic or unavailable in remote areas. Instability has stunted healthcare development and the quality of care is very poor. However, healthcare facilities in Iraqi Kurdistan, particularly Erbil, are significantly better and offer a higher standard of care. Serious health problems or medical emergencies will require medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities such as the United Arab Emirates or Europe. Pharmacies are limited and are very basic or unavailable in remote areas. Tap water is not considered safe to drink.

Iraq’s Council of Representatives elected Abdul Latif Rashid as President and Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as Prime Minister in October 2022, a year after holding parliamentary elections. Under the country's Muhassasa system, the president is traditionally reserved for Kurds, the prime minister for Shi’as, and the speaker of parliament for Sunnis. Iraq's stability rests on shared interests between Sunni, Shia, and Kurds, and al-Sudani is seen as a candidate that is acceptable not only to the domestic forces at play but also to the United States and Iran, both holding considerable influence in Iraqi politics. Competing sectarian power structures undermine security and stability. The state's authority is eroded by the rise of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Post-IS, the main challenge facing the government will be to rebuild the state on non-sectarian lines and work toward national reconciliation. Corruption is rooted in poor public administration, sectarianism, nepotism and clientelism, and lack of political will for anti-corruption efforts. Local laws reflect the fact that Iraq is predominantly an Islamic country. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties, including corporal punishment, expulsion, and fines.