Sri Lanka, April 2 -- The US embassy in Iraq has warned that Iran-aligned militant groups may conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours, again urging Americans to leave the country.

Iran and its proxies have already attacked US citizens and US-associated targets in neighboring Iraq, the embassy said in a post to X on Thursday.

"They may intend to target US citizens, businesses, universities, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports, and other locations perceived to be associated with the United States, as well as Iraqi institutions and civilian targets. Terrorist militias have targeted Americans for kidnapping," the post said. "US citizens should leave Iraq now."

American journalist Shelly Kittles...