Security Overview for Iraq

Since the US-led invasion in 2003, Iraq has been plagued by violence. Terrorism, insurgent attacks and rampant crime have threatened the safety and operations of the Iraqi government, US military and Iraqi and foreign civilians. The severity and quantity of violent attacks have decreased since the US troop surge in 2007. However, the security situation following the June 30, 2009 withdrawal of US forces from cities, as outlined in the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), is still highly volatile and unpredictable.

Since the spring of 2009, there has been a significant increase in deadly insurgent and terrorist attacks coinciding with the withdrawal of US forces from urban areas. Frequently targeted cities include Baghdad, Mosul, Baquba, Karbala and Kirkuk. The most frequent kinds of attacks include suicide bombings; vehicle bombings; roadside bombings using improvised explosive devices (IEDs); convoy assaults; and rocket fire. Insurgent groups, such as Al-Qaeda Iraq (AQI) and Sunni insurgents, have a number of aims, including, discrediting the Iraqi government; re-engaging US forces back into the conflict; reigniting ethnic strife between the Arabs and Kurds; and reigniting sectarian strife between Sunni and Shia' Iraqis. Use extreme caution near government offices, security installations, markets, mosques and other crowded sites.

The gradual withdrawal of US forces from Iraq by 2011 in compliance with the SOFA could lead to a worsening security situation, as insurgents may start carrying out attacks in cities that have been relatively secure for months. It will be a crucial test for the Iraqi government and its security forces to maintain and improve the security environment as US forces reduce their presence.

Although the kidnapping of foreigners has become less frequent, kidnapping is still a significant threat to individuals of any nationality in Iraq.

Iraq's crime rate is very high, as police do not have the resources to combat criminal elements. Violent crimes, such as murder, rape, assault, home invasions and armed carjackings, are common. Unattended cars will likely be stolen and unguarded homes and businesses will likely be looted. Avoid walking anywhere alone or at night. Assume that all assailants are armed.

Incidents of civil unrest are common in Iraq. Demonstrations sometimes erupt over coalition military actions; domestic and regional political disputes; sectarian differences; labor issues; electricity shortages; fuel shortages; and the lack of security. Demonstrations and protests may occur at any time and turn violent. Anti-US sentiment is high in Iraq, and unrest may target Western citizens or interests. Avoid all large demonstrations and rallies.

Emergency and security services are still in recovery stages. Basic medical services and care are under-equipped and overstretched due to the constant strain of conflict. Iraqi security services are ill-equipped, overstretched and corrupt. Travel to Iraq is still dangerous. If travel is necessary, contact your embassy and travel with an armed convoy at all times while moving through the country.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.