RIYADH, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Large numbers of Americans have left Iraq via Baghdad International Airport over the past 24 hours, Saudi-based Al Hadath reported on Friday.
The report also said the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad had conducted an emergency evacuation drill. There has been no official confirmation from Iraqi or U.S. authorities regarding the reported departures.
The development comes amid growing speculation over a possible U.S. strike on Iran, as Washington has authorized the evacuation of non-essential personnel from its embassy in Israel.
Meanwhile, the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrived off the coast of Haifa in northern Israel on Friday. ■
