Ar Rutba

Ar Rutba is a city in the Iraqi Desert. It is the westernmost town of any real size. Ar Rutba is a Sunni-majority city and was most notably the site of a large part of the old Iraqi air defense warning system, housing a number of military personnel there. The warning station was destroyed in the 1990-91 Gulf War. It was seized by ISIS in 2014, but has since been liberated by Iraqi Security Forces.

Roofs and mosque in Ar Rutba

	WARNING: Ar Rutba remains extremely dangerous and is not safe for tourists. Those who are going there on business are strongly advised to consult their own government first, and have an armed guard with them. See War zone safety if you must go.
	(Information last updated Jul 2018)

Get in

• Highway 11

Get around

It is recommended that you travel in an armored car due to the risk of terrorism.

See

• Fort Rutba was the site of the Battle of Fort Rutba during the Anglo-Iraqi War, but it is unclear if it still exists due to the current conflict.
• Remnants of ISIS rule are likely still present in the city, as are ruins from the ensuing battles.
• The deserts surrounding Ar Rutbah are similar to those of the western United States, but are likely littered with landmines.

Do

Buy

Ar Rutba is home to a traditional Iraqi market, but its present state is unclear.

Eat

• Levant Restaurant

Drink

Work

There are oil fields near Ar Rutba.

Go next

The border with Jordan is nearby.