Luke Walsh
Baghdad and all other areas of Iraq: "ADVISE AGAINST ALL TRAVEL." Kurdistan Region of Iraq (including Erbil): "ADVISE AGAINST ALL BUT ESSENTIAL TRAVEL." The security situation in Iraq remains volatile. There is a high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent unrest. Protests can occur with little notice and frequently turn violent. Regional tensions are high; international events can trigger rapid escalations in local security. British nationals are at high risk of being targeted for kidnapping. The British Embassy’s ability to provide assistance is extremely limited in areas where we advise against all travel. FCDO advises against travel, which is a critical factor that may void insurance cover.
WTW Insurer Risk Score (Q1 2026): 57/100 — Extreme Security Risks. Terrorism (82/100) is the primary threat with Daesh sleeper cells active in rural and disputed territories. Internal Conflict (67/100) involves high militia activity, especially in Baghdad where Shia militias operate with hostility toward Western interests. Erbil (Kurdistan) is more stable but faces risks from regional missile strikes by Iran and Turkey. Baghdad is volatile, with the Babylon Hotel area being a frequent target for indirect fire from militias.
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High-profile gathering of activists and researchers in Erbil; likely to attract attention.
Risk implication: Potential for surveillance or targeted disruption by regional intelligence actors.
Religious celebrations just prior to arrival; increased security presence and large crowds.
Risk implication: Potential for traffic disruption and mass gathering risks in both cities.
Meetings at non-fortified venues in Baghdad.
Risk implication: Highest static risk for the traveller during the trip.
High Public Profile: As a researcher on accountability in Iraq and Syria, Luke Walsh is a high-value target for surveillance, arbitrary detention, or kidnapping. Gender (Male): Faces lower risk of street-level harassment but higher risk of being perceived as a security or intelligence operative by local militias. Nationality: British passport holders face a high risk of "hostage diplomacy" by Iranian-backed groups during periods of UK-Iran tension.
Terrorism
IEDs and suicide attacks in Baghdad; drone strikes in Erbil.
Kidnapping
High risk for high-profile Western researchers in Baghdad.
Insurance Compliance
No cover for the Baghdad portion of the trip under the standard AIG policy; travel currently constitutes an uninsured corporate liability.
Regional Conflict
Risk of Erbil being targeted by Iranian or Turkish missiles.
- 1.Obtain a High Risk insurance extension for Baghdad; without this, the trip cannot proceed.
- 2.Mandatory use of Armoured Vehicles (B6/B7 level) and Professional Protection Officers (PPO) for all movements in Baghdad.
- 3.In Erbil, use pre-vetted secure drivers and avoid street taxis.
- 4.Request hotel rooms on mid-level floors (3-5) to avoid ground-level blasts and roof-level rocket impacts.
- 5.Use burner phones and laptops due to high risk of spyware or physical device seizure.
- 6.Save AIG MyLifeline (+44 1273 065 120) and UK Consular (+44 20 7008 5000) emergency numbers.
Based on current 2026 projections.
High-profile research must be conducted with low-profile movements. Avoid routine and vary routes between the Babylon Hotel and meeting venues. Avoid public cafes in Jadriya; conduct all meetings in secured hotel environments where possible.
Evacuation triggered by a spike in Green Zone rocket attacks, FCDO "Ordered Departure" of embassy staff, or civil unrest blocking the road to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). Decision made by Chatham House ELT in consultation with AIG Crisis Room.
If BIAP is closed, relocation to the British Embassy (Baghdad) or hibernation in the Babylon Hotel is required. Overland travel to Jordan or Kuwait is extremely high risk and not recommended without a private security detail.
Babylon Hotel has reinforced safe zones. Ensure a Go-Bag with 72 hours of water and a satellite phone is kept in the room.
Text "SAFE ARRIVAL [Location]" to the Chatham House Duty Officer upon landing and arriving at hotels. Daily check-ins via Signal/WhatsApp at 08:00 UK and 18:00 UK.
If check-in is missed by 30 minutes, Duty Officer attempts contact. After 60 minutes, Duty Officer contacts the hotel and PPO. After 2 hours, AIG Crisis Management, CH Director, and FCDO are alerted. In medical/security emergencies, traveller must press the SOS button on the MyLifeline App or call +44 1273 065 120.
AIG MyLifeline Assistance: +44 1273 065 120; FCDO Consular Emergency: +44 20 7008 5000; Chatham House Duty Officer: [Placeholder]; PPO/Driver: [Placeholder]
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Required training for critical risk destinations: 5 course(s)
Basic Online Training
Required for all travel
Risk Awareness Training
Required for all travel
First Aid Training
Required for all travel
Enhanced Online Training
Required for amber/red destinations
HEAT Training
Required for red destinations
Risk Assessment
Pending
Insurance Approval
Pending
Trip Approval
Pending
Personal Travel Safety Brief
PDF document with traveller safety guidance
Comprehensive Risk Assessment Report
Full security analysis and risk assessment
Security Plan (Annex A)
Security approach, evacuation & hibernation protocols
Communications Plan (Annex B)
Check-in protocol, escalation & contact numbers