US evacuates consulate in southern Iraq following attacks
WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department says the U.S. consulate in the southern Iraqi city of Basra is being evacuated following attacks blamed on Iran-backed militias.
The "ordered departure" of the consulate was announced Friday by State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.
Consular services will be provided from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted on Tuesday that Iran-supported militias had launched rocket attacks against the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the consulate in Basra.
The move to evacuate Basra comes as the Trump administration is increasing pressure on Iran ahead of powerful sanctions set to go into effect in November.
Basra is Iraq's main port and one of its largest cities.