The US Embassy in Baghdad announced it would evacuate some staff and beef up security.
USA Today reported:
The United States said Sunday it was evacuating some staff from its embassy and beefing up security as deadly explosions rocked the Iraqi capital and advancing militant Islamic insurgents released graphic images appearing to show its fighters massacring captured Iraqi soldiers.
The U.S. State Department said in a statement that an undisclosed number of staffers will be moved to Amman, Jordan or U.S. consulates elsewhere in Iraq not immediately threatened by the insurgent group, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL.
So far the Twitter page has ignored this news.
UPDATE: The US Embassy in Baghdad has reportedly lost its internet service.
Just minutes ago news came from within the United States Embassy in Baghdad that the Iraqis have shut down internet service for those barricaded inside. Limited text messages via private cell phones are still coming through.
It is unknown how many of the more than 5,000 U.S. civilians in Baghdad are actually taking refuge inside the embassy compound. NBC war correspondent, Richard Engel reported last night that civilians in and around Baghdad have boarded up residences and businesses.
The embassy lockup is a reminder of when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in August of 1990 and U.S. civilians were held hostage for months, including those from the State Department and Department of Transportation.
UPDATE: Green Zone embassies evacuating…
#BREAKING several embassies in the Green Zone evacuating tonight as ISIS advances #Baghdad #Iraq #ISIS
— Abdallaah (@mujaahid4life) June 15, 2014