Iraq crisis deepens, MEA asks Indians to avoid unnecessary travel

As crisis in Iraq deepens with Sunni militants capturing towns, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory asking Indians in the country to avoid unnecessary travel.

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: As crisis in Iraq deepens with Sunni militants capturing towns and advancing towards Baghdad, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory asking Indians in the country to avoid unnecessary travel. In its statement, the MEA said that Indians in Iraq may consider leaving by commercial means, adding that a 24 hour helpline can be accessed by the Indians there for information or assistance. The helpline numbers set by the Indian Embassy in Baghdad are - +964 770 444 4899 and +964 770 484 3247.

India's Embassy in Baghdad sets up 24 hour helpline which can be accessed for information or assistance. Contact mail amb.baghdad@mea.gov.in

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) June 15, 2014

Today, the push from the militants was halted by the Iraqi forces with assistance of Shia Muslim and Kurdish militias. A number of towns have been retaken from the rebels, but they still control the key cities of Tikrit and Mosul.