Indian government has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Iraq, where Sunni militants are very close to Baghdad.

New Delhi, June 16/Nationalturk – With Sunni militant group ISIS and Saddam supporters making surprise gains in Iraq, Indian government has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Iraq.

“In view of the precarious security situation prevailing in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Iraq, until further notification,” a spokesperson of Indian External Affairs Ministry said.

He said Indian nationals in Iraq may consider leaving the country by commercial means if it is safe to do so. “Our nationals 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 on the evolving security situation”.

‘Indian nationals without travel documents advised to seek consular services’

“Those nationals, who do not have travel documents or need other consular services, are advised to seek assistance from the Indian Embassy in Baghdad,” the spokesperson said.

The powerful Sunni militant group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Saddam supporters have made significant gains in Iraq last months. The militants have taken control of Mosul and few other major towns and are very close to Baghdad.

The conflict in Iraq has now taken a sectarian dimension with the Shiite Prime Minister and senior Shiite Cleric asking the Shiites to take up arms and fight against Sunni militants.

India had also advised its citizens in 2004 to avoid travelling to Iraq in view of sectarian violence in the country. The ban remained in force till May, 2010.

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