According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication, Iraq has been assessed as Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

U.S. Consulate Basrah does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

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

Please review OSAC’s Iraq-specific 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.

The security situation in Iraq remains fluid. Although Iraq has officially declared that the ISIS insurgency has been forced out of Iraq, their lingering influence still afflicts the central and northern regions. Another prevalent crime factor is the growing influence of militias, many of which oppose official U.S. presence in Iraq. As of January 2018, ISIS insurgents continue to carry out attacks that cause casualties, hinder free movement, and influence public opinion regarding safety and security. This has had a direct impact on the crime situation in Basrah. Since late 2014, security forces in southern Iraq have been redeployed northward to combat ISIS, leaving a security vacuum that has been exploited by criminal gangs.

Crime Threats

The re-tasking of law enforcement and security forces to address the ISIS insurgency in the rest of the country has left a void in the southern provinces, giving opportunity for a dramatic rise in theft, armed robberies, kidnappings, murder, and drug trafficking. Political infighting among government authorities and the growing influence of militias have also contributed to the lack of security in Basrah. Crime statistics and crime reporting mechanisms in Iraq are incomplete and inconsistent.

Armed conflict caused by tribal groups and political tensions remains a key challenge facing the Iraqi government. Iraqi Security Forces struggle to maintain security in the region while armed groups compete for resources.

Vehicle theft is a common crime, and police ability to investigate and recover stolen vehicles is limited due to lack of resources. In November 2016, local authorities reported that vehicle theft was at an all-time high throughout the province. According to the report, pick-up trucks and Dodge Chargers are targeted the most.

Other Areas of Concern

Handguns and shoulder fired weapons (typically AK-47 variants) are prevalent. It is common for these weapons to be used to commit crimes and settle tribal disputes. Other weapons, such as light machine guns (RPK/RPD), general purpose machine guns (PKM), rocket propelled grenades (RPG-7), heavy machine guns (DShK), and even explosives, are utilized by militias and criminal gangs. Celebratory gunfire is a culturally accepted practice. Common occasions for celebratory gunfire include holidays, weddings, funerals, and other social events. Death and injury can result from stray bullets.

Throughout southern Iraq, small improvised explosive devices (IED) are used as an intimidation tactic. Known locally as “sound bombs,” these devices normally result in minor property damage and have been placed under vehicles, outside offices, and near private residences. While these tactics are likely intended to send a message, risk of death or injury still remains for individuals within proximity to a detonation of one of these devices. In 2017, there were approximately 40 incidents of sound bombs being used in southern Iraq to intimidate individuals. Most were due to tribal disputes.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.”

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Road conditions throughout Iraq are deteriorating, consistent with sustained budget shortfalls and severe heat. Main roads are well-constructed but are not well-maintained. Main urban roads are usually constructed with asphalt, while side and rural roads are usually unpaved and constructed with dirt and gravel. Unpaved roads, including in urban areas, are subject to flooding during winter rains, which can render the roads unpassable. Vehicle security checkpoints and dense urban populations often cause significant vehicle congestion.

Public Transportation Conditions

There is no reliable public transportation system in Iraq. Buses run irregularly and frequently change routes. Poorly-maintained city transit vehicles are often involved in accidents. Long-distance buses are available but are often in poor condition and move at unsafe speeds. Train infrastructure is largely inadequate.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

The Basrah International Airport (BSR) is adjacent to the U.S. Consulate. U.S. government direct-hire American personnel are prohibited from using BSR. The security and management practices at this airport are not on par with those employed at U.S. airports.

For Iraq as a whole, the U.S. Department of State Iraq Travel Advisory states that due to risks to civil aviation operating in or in the vicinity of Iraq, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is founded on concerns over the risk of ongoing combat operations involving military forces and militant activity. Travelers should remain vigilant and reconfirm all flight schedules with their airline prior to commencing any travel. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Terrorism Threat

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

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

Since the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraqi cities began in 2009, indigenous terrorist groups have conducted attacks against targets associated with the Iraqi government, with the intention of discrediting the government. Within the southern region of Iraq, Muqtada al-Sadr’s “Peace” Brigades (Saraya al Salaam), Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), and Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH) are considered indigenous organizations, although all receive significant monetary and logistical support from international sources.

Since the withdrawal of United States Forces-Iraq (USF-I) in December 2011, Shi’a based groups, AAH, KH, and the Peace Brigades have ceased mass-casualty attacks in favor of pursuing political ambitions. These groups have also been involved in Iraq’s military campaign against ISIS. Their current posture can be expected to be influenced by perceptions of mutual stake with the U.S.-led coalition in the campaign. These organizations maintain the operational, organizational, and logistical capability to attack U.S. targets with little notice.

Ultimately, the threat of kidnapping, rocket and IED attacks, and small arms fire incidents against U.S. interests in Iraq remains high and is subject to the influence of domestic, regional, and international political developments.

Groups such as ISIS and al-Qa’ida in Iraq lack operational maneuvering space in the heavily Shi’a population of Basrah’s consular district; however, they still maintain the intent and capability to conduct “one-off” attacks. Foreign and indigenous terrorist groups remain capable of conducting deadly attacks throughout the country. Attacks that continue to threaten personnel include, but are not limited to, kidnapping, IEDs, Vehicle-Borne IEDs (VBIEDs), rocket/mortar attacks, complex attacks involving several mechanisms of assault, suicide vest attacks, and small arms fire. The proliferation of such attacks indicates the willingness and effectiveness of those groups to use terrorism for political gain. Attacks have been directed primarily against government of Iraq facilities and security personnel and “soft targets,” such as market places, crowds of religious pilgrims, and large public gatherings.

On September 14, 2017, two VBIEDs and a coordinated assault targeted pilgrims at a restaurant on the road from Basrah to Dhi Qar. The first VBIED detonated at the Dhi Qar checkpoint while the other one detonated at the Fadak restaurant on the highway leading to Basrah. Prior to the VBIED attack, witnesses reported that individuals disguised in Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) uniforms opened fire at the people in the restaurant. The two attacks left 83 dead and 93 injured.

Anti-American/Anti-Western Sentiment

Based on recent history and events, anti-American/anti-Western sentiment exists throughout Iraq and is manifested in commentary in print, television, and social media. In Shi’a majority areas under strong Iranian influence, anti-American banners are sometimes spotted. Following the announcement of the U.S. decision to move the Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, Basrah held a protest of approximately 3,000 people condemning the move. Sadrist demonstrators painted American and Israeli flags on the road and marched the parade across them to desecrate the flags and show their disapproval of the decision.

Some Shi’a militias and Iranian-backed groups publicize their dissatisfaction with U.S. government presence in Iraq but have refrained from physical resistance to official U.S. activities during the mutually supported campaign against ISIS. They retain the capability to attack U.S. government personnel although the security situation remains fluid, volatile, and potentially very dangerous.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

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

Civil Unrest

Civil unrest can occur at any time. Religious and political events can attract thousands of participants. Political and religious marches and rallies are a popular target for terrorist and indigenous militant groups. Public protests against corruption, poor governance, deteriorating security, and inadequate provision of public services are common.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Religious celebrations are commonly targeted by IED and suicide vest bombers. During the Shi’a religious pilgrimages of Ashura and Arba’een, pilgrims were attacked with VBIEDs, suicide vests, and IEDs across Iraq. Vehicular movement can be restricted due to religious pilgrims blocking routes.

Tribal violence in southern Iraq remains a concern. Political leaders from Basrah identify tribal violence as a key issue for the security and stability. Feuds between tribes often involve gun violence, and incidents of wrong-place-wrong-time casualties and fatalities affect bystanders.

While inter-sectarian tensions exist in the consular district, there has been little religiously-motivated inter-sectarian violence outside of ISIS activities. Religious minorities complain of governance, legal, and commercial grievances but have not spotlighted violent acts against their communities.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Iraq’s environment is harsh. Environmental regulation is weak; air and water quality is significantly worse than in the U.S. Temperatures can range from 30 degrees Fahrenheit or colder in the winter to 130 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. Dust storms and heavy fog occur frequently during the spring, both of which can reduce visibility and impede vehicular operations.

Personal Identity Concerns

Local and international NGOs and media report that sex-based violence is prevalent in southern Iraq. However, reliable statistics are unavailable, and overall police reporting is inaccurate. Southern Iraq has become more socially conservative with many restrictions placed upon the free movement and expression of women. Women cannot walk freely in some parts of Basrah without fear of harassment or assault. Most women in Basrah wear conservative Islamic dress, consisting of at a minimum a head cover, in keeping with local culture and to avoid provoking a negative response while out in public.

Drug-related Crime

Drug trafficking is on the rise in southern Iraq. Basrah saw an increase in the use and sales of illegal and legal drugs in 2017. According to Basrah’s anti-narcotics police department, police arrested approximately 3,500 drug users and dealers in 2017 alone.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnapping is common throughout the Basrah consular district and remains at significantly high levels. Kidnapping for ransom is a common means of monetary gain. Kidnapping for intimidation (to include kidnapping intended to send a "political" message) is also common in Basrah. RSO Basrah assesses that most kidnappings are criminal rather than political and reflect the deteriorating economic situation. Regardless, the State Department issued a Travel Alert in August 2017 when the U.S. Embassy Baghdad became aware of increased kidnapping threats to U.S. government personnel and civilians. Employees were subsequently restricted from movement outside of the international zone both in Baghdad and Basrah. The current State Department Travel Advisory for Iraq warns of a generalized kidnapping threat against Westerners. However, diplomats, expatriates, and prominent locals are less likely to become victims due to the use of Protective Security Detail (PSD) teams and/or armored vehicles. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “Kidnapping: The Basics.”

Police Response

While Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) maintain a presence in most major urban areas, the departure of significant numbers of southern-based ISF to fight ISIS in the north has left a security vacuum in Basrah. Although Iraq has declared the defeat of ISIS, there is an uncertainty in Basrah over the return of many PMF fighters and their assimilation back into the populace that could affect the security situation in the southern provinces.

The Iraqi Police and Army routinely set up temporary checkpoints without notice. American citizens should be sure to have proper identification at all times to avoid harassment and delays at checkpoints. Iraqi checkpoints and security stations are always manned, and Iraqi police and military units generally respond to incidents. However, the ability to respond to rapidly evolving security situations remains limited due to lack of decentralized command structures and response resources.

Americans should avoid unauthorized photography, especially of ISF, which is strictly prohibited. Iraqi military personnel may confiscate equipment and temporarily detain individuals taking unauthorized photographs. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report “Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.”

American citizens should cooperate and follow instructions if approached by Iraqi security personnel. All foreigners operating in Iraq are subject to Iraqi law.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

The U.S. Consulate Basrah’s ability to assist American citizens in the event of police detention or harassment is limited.

Crime Victim Assistance

Victims of crime should notify the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad by contacting the American Citizen Services Unit via e-mail or phone at 0770-443-1286 or 0760-030-4888 (from Iraq) or 011-964-770-443-1286 or 301-985-8841 ext. 4888 (from the U.S.).

Medical Emergencies

Iraqi hospitals and emergency medical services are limited. Local hospitals have substandard staffing and equipment. Individuals associated with private businesses operating in Iraq are responsible for arranging their own medical care.

Contact Information for Recommended Hospitals/Clinics

A list of doctors and hospitals can be obtained by emailing the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit. For security reasons, names of organizations and individuals are not posted here.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

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

OSAC Country Council Information

The Country Council in Basrah is inactive, meeting ad-hoc. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Middle East and North Africa Team with any questions.

U.S. Consulate Location and Contact Information

Consulate Address and Hours of Operation

The U.S. Consulate General Basrah is located adjacent to the Basrah International Airport. Normal business hours are Sun-Thurs, 0800-1700.

Consulate Contact Numbers

American Citizen Services 24-Hour Emergency Line: 0770-443-1286 or 0760-030-4888 (from Iraq) or 011-964-770-443-1286 or 301-985-8841 ext. 4888 (from the United States), or via e-mail.

Website: https://basrah.usconsulate.gov/

Nearby Posts

Embassy Baghdad: https://iraq.usembassy.gov/ 

Consulate Erbil: https://erbil.usconsulate.gov/ 

Embassy Consulate Guidance

U.S. Consulate Basrah has an extremely limited ability to assist American citizens in the event of an emergency. The Consulate has a part-time Consular Officer to provide limited service to American citizens. U.S. Consulate Basrah does not provide routine services such as passport applications, notary services, or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad. U.S. citizens in need of these services must make an appointment with the Embassy in Baghdad on-line. The ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services to U.S. citizens throughout Iraq is constrained by the security environment.

U.S. citizens who choose to visit or reside in Iraq despite the Travel Advisory are urged to take responsibility for their own personal security and belongings (including their U.S. passports) and should be aware that Iraqi authorities have arrested or detained U.S. citizens whose purpose of travel is not readily apparent. U.S. military-provided medevac, transportation, convoy support, lodging, quick reaction force response to incidents, and monitoring of personnel security details, are not available in the consular district. Individuals or companies operating or contemplating operations should exercise due-diligence in planning for all potential day-to-day life support, security logistics, and emergency contingencies for travel or work in Iraq.

U.S. citizens traveling to Iraq should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices. It also is recommended that travelers consult the Country Specific Information page and the Travel Advisory for Iraq.

As cell phone service is unreliable in Iraq, emergency calls may also be placed through the Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.

Additional Resources

Iraq Country Information Sheet