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May 15, 2019

U.S. Evacuates Non-Emergency State Dept. Personnel from Iraq
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The State Department has ordered all non-emergency personnel to evacuate
the U.S. embassy and consulate in Iraq. The order is in response to what
the White House says is a threat linked to Iran, though no further
details were given. Iraqi officials expressed skepticism about any
purported threats - as did a senior British official who is the deputy
commander of the American-led coalition fighting the Islamic State.

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have continued to mount over recent
days, despite both parties saying they are not seeking war. The U.S.
recently deployed a carrier strike group and a bomber task force to the
region claiming a "credible threat by Iranian regime forces."


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