Iraq crisis deepens, MEA asks Indians to avoid unnecessary travel

In wake of the unrest in Iraq, the Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday issued an advisory asking Indian nationals residing there to leave the country by commercial means if it was safe to do so.
The Foreign Ministry has also asked Indians to avoid unnecessary travel to Iraq.
“Indians living in areas affected by the ongoing armed conflict are advised to stay indoors as far as possible and are advised to remain in contact with our Embassy in Baghdad for necessary advice and updated information,” read the advisory.
Spokesperson of External Affairs Ministry, Syed Akbaruddin tweeted out information about the steps being taken by the Indian embassy in Baghdad to help Indians.
“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,” tweeted Akbaruddin.
The helpline numbers are, +964 770 444 4899 and +964 770 484 3247.
Islamic terrorists of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, have captured large swaths of territory north of Baghdad. Their advance on the capital was sending food prices dramatically higher and prompting tighter security in the city of 7 million people.