Iraq 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Baghdad - OSAC

Iraq 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Baghdad

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office (RSO) at the U.S.
Embassy in Baghdad. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security
conditions in Iraq. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Iraq country page for original OSAC
reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-
sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Iraq
at Level 4, indicating travelers should not travel to the country. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the
Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Following Iraq’s declared victory over ISIS in December 2017, there was a sharp reduction in terror-related
attacks against civilians and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) within population centers, though the threat level
remains high. ISIS still maintains the functional capacity to conduct terrorist attacks across Iraq, especially
in northern and eastern provinces despite the improving counterterrorism capabilities of the ISF at the
tactical level.

Daily anti-government protests began in Baghdad and throughout the southern provinces in early October
2019. Periodic clashes between security forces and protesters have resulted in hundreds of deaths and
casualties. In the City of Baghdad, protesters have frequently burned tires and other debris in the streets,
routinely interrupting traffic flow. Live rounds have been fired occasionally by legitimate security forces
as well as militant groups, resulting in high numbers of deaths and injuries among protesters. Several
relatively low-yield improvised explosive devices (IEDs) also detonated in the vicinity of protesters,
resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

Iranian-backed Shia Militia Groups (SMGs) have resorted to launching more frequent and lethal indirect
fire incidents throughout Iraq in order to threaten the Coalition forces and encourage political initiatives
to expel U.S. and Coalition forces from Iraqi territory. The United States issued several warnings to the
Government of Iraq (GOI) to quell SMG attacks on coalition bases or risk unilateral defensive action by
U.S. forces. Following an attack on K1 Airbase that killed one U.S. contractor on December 27, 2019, a U.S.
airstrike targeted Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH) facilities, killing an estimated 25-30 KH personnel. KH and other
SMGs responded by staging a large destructive protest at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on December 31-
January 1. On January 3, a drone strike near Baghdad International Airport targeted a high-profile Iranian
general and an Iraqi militia commander. On January 8, Iran responded to those killings by launching
ballistic missiles at coalition facilities in Iraq. SMGs have continued threats of reprisal attacks against the
U.S. Embassy and other facilities as they simultaneously push for legal measures to expel U.S. forces in
Iraq. Given that reprisal attacks may not distinguish between official and unofficial U.S. travelers, exercise
extreme vigilance, particularly during movements.

Iraq 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Baghdad

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Baghdad as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed
at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Crime and lawlessness remain a serious threat
throughout the country. In Baghdad, organized crime, uncontrolled militia activity, and corruption remain
formidable obstacles to free enterprise and business. Most international corporations under contract with
or employed in Iraq must adhere to strict safety and security procedures when traveling in and around
Baghdad. Private security companies (PSCs) employing armored vehicles and protective security details
(PSDs) remain a standard security practice for companies and diplomatic missions alike within Baghdad,
including for travel within the International Zone (IZ). These procedures mitigate the threat posed by
small-arms fire and improve survivability in IED events; they also reduce the potential for criminal
targeting. There are considerable militia threats to all PSCs in Iraq; militias consider all PSCs to be
“American.” PSCs in early January took steps such as leaving Baghdad temporarily and moving vehicles
behind compound walls in attempts to avoid targeting.

Some groups may capitalize on the disarray inside the current Iraqi government dysfunction to incite
chaos inside the country further. Currently, SMGs use low-yield and crude IEDs in Baghdad city to
intimidate and extort small business owners in protection rackets.

Other Areas of Concern

U.S. nationals are at high risk for violence and kidnapping while in Iraq. Due to these concerns, the U.S.
government requires personnel to live and work under strict security guidelines. All U.S. government
employees under the authority of the Chief of Mission follow strict security procedures, including the
donning of personal protective equipment (PPE) and use of PSDs when traveling outside U.S. facilities.
Many U.S. and third-country nationals travel throughout Iraq for business. The Department of State
advises U.S. organizations in Iraq to use PSDs to mitigate risk to their employees. Additional security
information is available on the U.S. Embassy website.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Roads are generally well-constructed and roadway conditions are reasonably good. Urban roads are
mostly asphalt, while rural roads are typically dirt and gravel. Flooding is common in the winter and may
affect driving conditions, as many roads lack proper drainage systems. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety
Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State
Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Dense urban populations, compounded by vehicle security checkpoints, can cause significant traffic
congestion. In addition to the numerous government security checkpoints throughout Baghdad,
improvised checkpoints appear without notice and compound normal traffic patterns.

Iraq 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Baghdad

In December 2018, Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi announced the opening of certain checkpoints
protecting the IZ in Baghdad. As a result, motor vehicles could access the IZ along both the main north-
south thoroughfare and east-west route on the Qadisiyah Expressway. In October 2019, the IZ returned
to a more restricted security posture, as GOI officials became concerned that demonstrators might
threaten the Council of Representatives or Presidential Palace. Access procedures to the IZ can change
quickly as the security situation ebbs and flows. Such changes have directly affected diplomatic missions,
the private sector, and residences. Currently, only IZ badge holders may access al-Kindi Street in front of
the U.S. Embassy and the areas with heavy GOI presence on the southeastern side of the IZ.

Conduct all travel to areas near the ISF-Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) front lines with an abundance
of caution. While political negotiations to resolve outstanding issues between the Government of Iraq
(GOI) and the KRG have made progress, tensions remain.

Public Transportation Conditions

Baghdad city transit vehicles are poorly maintained. City buses do not adhere to published schedules, and
frequently change routes. Long-distance buses are available, but like city transit vehicles are in poor
condition and often drive at unsafe speeds. High speeds and poorly maintained equipment are often the
cause of accidents. Rail infrastructure is largely inadequate. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit:
Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Due to the recently revitalized campaign against the U.S. presence in Baghdad, multiple reports suggest
that SMGs are targeting U.S. nationals traveling through Baghdad International Airport (BGW), as well as
on Airport Road. The threats range from kidnapping at the airport to IED emplacements along the route
to and from the airport. U.S. Embassy personnel may not use BGW. Conduct ground movements to BGW
with extreme caution.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Baghdad as being a CRITICAL-threat location for terrorism
directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Terrorist attacks throughout Iraq have
continued to decline but have not completely subsided. Foreign and indigenous terrorist groups remain
capable of conducting deadly attacks throughout the country, and continue to threaten expatriate
personnel and visitors.

According to the UN, ISIS has killed more than 3,000 civilians and injured more than 4,600 people since
2017. While Iraq declared victory over ISIS in December 2017, and ISIS capabilities have severely degraded,
ISIS fighters continue asymmetric warfare-style attacks in rural and urban areas against ISF personnel, GOI
installations, and the civilian populace with small arms fire and occasional low-yield suicide vests and
VBIEDs.

Iraq 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Baghdad

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Anti-Iranian sentiment eclipsed anti-U.S./anti-Western sentiment during the recent popular protests
against the government. However, after the U.S. airstrike against Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH) at Abu Kamal,
notable Iraqi politicians and religious figures have spoken out against the U.S. military presence in Iraq.
There is likely to be continued Iraqi Council of Representatives effort to remove U.S. forces.

The threat of kidnapping, rocket and mortar attacks, use of IEDs, and small-arms fire against official and
private U.S. interests remains high. Iranian-backed militias such as Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), KH, and the
nationalistic Peace Brigades Militia have previously targeted U.S. interests. There are multiple reports of
attempted targeting of U.S. nationals, and Westerners at large, for kidnapping. There are also new reports
of militia groups kidnapping locals, foreign workers, and members of international organizations, and
demanding ransoms from either their families or their employers.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Baghdad as being a CRITICAL-threat location for political
violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest

Political violence (in the form of protests) was prevalent throughout Iraq in 2019 and began to accelerate
after October 1. Shia protesters took to the streets in mass throughout the country to protest what they
believe is Iranian oppression via GOI influence. The epicenter of these anti-government protests in
Baghdad is Tahrir Square. Protesters during October attempted to cross into the IZ from the Sinak Bridge
area, but ISF stopped them before they could enter, pushing them to the east side of the Tigris River. They
have remained in and around the Tahrir Square area and show no signs of vacating the area, though their
permanent numbers have tumbled after early December, when KH and AAH members opened fire on the
protesters, killing at least 25 civilians.

Civil unrest continues and can occur at any time. Religious and political rallies can attract thousands of
participants if conditions are right. Most protests are peaceful and focus on internal political and/or
economic factors. However, protesters have targeted Iranian consulates in Najaf and Karbala, which
usually trigger a violent response from PMF groups against the protesters. Additionally, religious
pilgrimages can restrict movement throughout the country, throughout the year, primarily at Shia holy
sites in Samarra, Baghdad, Najaf, and Karbala.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Incidents of ethnic and sectarian violence remain frequent in Iraq. Most of these events occur in mixed-
sect neighborhoods.

Iraq 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Baghdad

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Iraq’s environment is harsh. Temperatures in Baghdad can fall below 32°F (0°C) in the winter and exceed
120°F (49°C) during the summer. Dust storms, which can reduce visibility and impede movement of
aircraft, occur frequently during the spring. Heavy fog often lasting for hours is common during the winter.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

The possible failure or breach of the Mosul Dam has been a cause for concern for the better part of the
past decade; however, a long-term U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Iraqi joint project has allayed fears of an
imminent collapse. Even with a lack of proper maintenance, structural integrity over the next five years is
all but guaranteed.

The battle against ISIS has taken a toll on Iraq’s critical infrastructure, including the nation’s oil reserves
and industrial infrastructure, refineries, power plants, and, most recently, the hydraulic power system.
Power failures occur frequently, and almost all homes and businesses rely on backup generators. Power
outages increase during the summer months.

Iraq continues to suffer from serious deficiencies in public services. Electricity often fails. Iraqi fire and
rescue services are still developing, and hotels may not have fire safety equipment. Landline telephone
service is very limited, and while cellular service has expanded rapidly into urban areas, reliability varies
by region. The banking and financial infrastructure is underdeveloped, as transactions remain largely cash
based. ATMs are extremely rare in most of Iraq.

Economic Concerns/Intellectual Property Theft

Economic espionage and intellectual property theft are on the rise worldwide. Because these events are
often unreported, it is difficult to identify victims and business sectors impacted or offenders. In general,
the threat of economic espionage and intellectual property theft is not endemic to Iraq.

U.S. citizens have been the victims of kidnapping, assault, or threats by family members in response to
family disputes over property. Land disputes are common in Iraq and are often difficult to resolve through
legal channels. The U.S. Embassy cannot protect personal property and cannot take sides in a legal
dispute. U.S. citizens wishing to purchase property should be aware of the risks, including not being
physically present to oversee property. Those involved in a court dispute run the risk of having cases filed
against them, and they may face arrest and jail time.

Iraq 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Baghdad

Personal Identity Concerns

U.S. citizens, especially female dual nationals of Iraq, have traveled to Iraq with family members and have
been subject to threats, kidnappings, and extortion, including incidents of loss of custody of children or
forced marriage. Women and children should pay particular attention to any warning signs, including
husbands or other family members withholding money or travel documents after arrival in Iraq, and
should also be aware that U.S. laws cannot protect U.S. citizens when they are outside of the United
States. The Iraqi police and legal system may offer little protection. Review the State Department’s
webpage on security for female travelers.

Iraqi law prohibits discrimination based on race, disability, or social status, but it does not address the
issue of sexual orientation or gender identity. Societal discrimination in employment, occupation, and
housing based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and unconventional appearance is common. Review
the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-
based travelers.

Iraqi law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, access to
health care, and other state services. The government enforces the law in the public sector, but not in the
private sector. Access for persons with disabilities to buildings and in educational and work settings
remains inconsistent. Public and government buildings, as well as public bathrooms, may not be
accessible. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnappings for political or monetary gain are common throughout Iraq. The threat ISIS and militia groups
pose to conduct such operations remains high. Criminal organizations continue to use kidnapping as a
method to fund operations, as well as a bargaining method to demand concessions from the government.
In Baghdad, the kidnapping threat comes almost exclusively from militia groups, who may use it as a
method to undermine U.S. diplomatic, military, and economic objectives in Iraq, or from criminal groups
targeting individuals they perceive to be wealthy. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Other Issues

Avoid unauthorized photography. Photos of ISF personnel and checkpoints are illegal. Iraqi military
personnel may confiscate equipment and temporarily detain individuals taking unauthorized
photographs. For more information, please refer to OSAC’s Report Picture This: Do’s and Don'ts for
Photography.

Iraq 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Baghdad

Customs officers have the broad authority to search persons or vehicles at Iraqi ports of entry. Officers
may confiscate any goods they deem may pose a threat to the peace, security, health, environment, or
social order of Iraq. Authorities may confiscate antiquities or cultural items suspected of illegal export, as
well as undeclared goods. Visitors may also have to return such goods, at their expense, to the jurisdiction
from which they came. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for
information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Police Response

The emergency line in Iraq is 130. ISF has a limited ability to respond to security incidents, terrorist attacks,
and criminal activities. Response times and capabilities may vary wildly, as displayed by their recent
response to protests at the U.S. Embassy. Iraqi police do not meet U.S. or western standards. ISF maintains
a large presence in most major urban areas to limit potential terrorist, insurgent, and militia activity. There
are many permanent, manned military checkpoints and security stations; temporary ones often appear
without advance notice.

Responsibility for routine policing functions falls under the Interior Ministry. In recent years, the Iraqi
Federal Police have transformed into a paramilitary security force used to combat ISIS, with less emphasis
on law enforcement. With ISIS defeated on the battlefield, the Federal Police will likely focus
predominately on law enforcement with a small elite unit within the Federal Office of Police (FEDPOL)
charged with counter-terrorism responsibilities.

Visitors and expatriates should always carry proper identification to avoid harassment and delays at
checkpoints.

Cooperate with instructions if Iraqi security personnel approach you. Download the State Department’s
Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Medical Emergencies

Use Iraqi hospitals only as a contingency for urgent life-or-death emergencies. Most hospitals and
emergency medical services do not meet U.S. standards. Local hospitals have substandard staffing and
equipment and may not carry basic medicines. The facilities in operation do not meet U.S. standards, and
the majority lack medicines, equipment, and supplies. American Citizen Services (ACS) maintains a list of
doctors and hospitals; request it by e-mailing BaghdadACS@state.gov. For security reasons, ACS does not
post the names of organizations and individuals on its webpage.

Basic, modern medical care and medicines are not widely available. Conflict has left some medical facilities
non-operational and medical stocks and supplies severely depleted. Blood banks exist, though the blood
supply may not be sufficient in the event of an emergency, and likely has not been tested under U.S.
standards for infectious disease. In addition, many areas suffer rolling power outages, and generators are
not always available.

Iraq 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Baghdad

There is limited mental health or psychiatric care available. As Iraq is a country under conflict, pre-existing
mental health conditions and symptoms may resurface or exacerbate due to exposure to ongoing events
and the environment.

Serious illnesses/injuries often require medical evacuation (medevac). Such services are very expensive,
and are generally available only to travelers who either have travel insurance that covers medevac
services or who can pay for the service in advance. The cost for medical evacuation may range from U.S.
$40,000 to $200,000. Medicare and Medicaid do not apply overseas. U.S. citizens in Iraq should not expect
any medical assistance from the U.S. Government. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends
purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s
webpage on insurance overseas.

Tuberculosis, MERS, Cholera, and food-borne illnesses are prevalent, as are breathing problems caused
by frequently hazardous air quality, especially in Baghdad.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Iraq.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?,
Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Country Council in Baghdad meets three times per year. Contact the Country Council to join the
mailing list or attend meetings/events. Contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa Team for more
information.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

Al Kindi Street, Baghdad
Hours of Operation: 0800 – 1700 Sunday to Thursday
Website: https://iq.usembassy.gov/
Embassy Operator: 0760-030-3000
RSO Embassy Operations Center (24 hrs.): 0760-030-2833 (from Iraq local cell/landline) or 1-301-985-8841
ext. 2833/3343 (from the U.S.)
Foreign Commercial Service Office: baghdad@trade.gov

Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts in Iraq

Consulate General Erbil: 413 Ishtar, Ankawa, Erbil. From Iraq: 0760-030-3000. From outside of Iraq: 1-301-
985-8841

Iraq 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Baghdad

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

    •   OSAC Risk Matrix
    •   OSAC Travelers Toolkit
    •   State Department Traveler’s Checklist
    •   Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)