Fact Check: The U.S. is evacuating nonessential staff from its Baghdad embassy and family members of military personnel from several bases in the Gulf amid growing security concerns as of September 25, 2023.

Fact Check: U.S. Evacuating Nonessential Staff from Baghdad Embassy

What We Know

As of September 25, 2023, the U.S. State Department has ordered the evacuation of nonessential personnel from its embassy in Baghdad due to increasing security concerns in the region. This decision comes amid rising tensions related to Iran's nuclear program and potential military operations involving Israel. According to reports, the U.S. is also allowing family members of military personnel stationed at various bases in the Gulf, including Bahrain and Kuwait, to leave at government expense (Reuters, AP News, BBC).

The State Department stated that this evacuation is part of a broader assessment of personnel needs in light of the current geopolitical climate, emphasizing a commitment to keeping American personnel safe both domestically and abroad (Axios, ABC News).

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. is evacuating nonessential staff from its Baghdad embassy and family members of military personnel is supported by multiple reputable sources. The AP News and Reuters articles confirm the evacuation order and detail the rationale behind it, citing heightened security risks and the potential for regional unrest.

The credibility of these sources is strong; both are well-established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The reports also align with statements from U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who confirmed the voluntary departure of military dependents from the region (ABC News).

However, it is worth noting that while the U.S. government is acting on perceived threats, Iraqi officials have publicly stated that they do not see any immediate security indicators that warrant such an evacuation (AP News). This discrepancy highlights the complexity of the situation, where U.S. assessments may differ from local perspectives.

Conclusion

The claim that the U.S. is evacuating nonessential staff from its Baghdad embassy and family members of military personnel from several Gulf bases is True. The decision is based on credible assessments of rising security threats in the region, particularly concerning Iran. The reports from multiple reliable sources corroborate the U.S. government's actions and statements regarding the evacuation.

Sources

1. US to pull some personnel from the Middle East amid rising tensions
2. US reduces the presence of staffers not deemed essential
3. US to partially evacuate embassy in Iraq as Iran tensions rise
4. U.S. evacuating personnel from Middle East amid Iran tensions
5. US prepares to order departure of all nonessential staff from Baghdad
6. State Department orders departure of nonessential staff from Baghdad