‘Avoid All Non-Essential Travel To Iraq’: MEA Issues Advisory For Indian Nationals Amid Rising Tensions In Region

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday (8 January) issued an advisory to the Indian nationals to avoid all “non-essential” travel to Iraq in view of the rising tensions in the region due to the Iran’s missile attack on two Iraqi bases housing US troops after killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani by American forces.

“In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

The MEA also asked all Indian nationals who are living in Iraq to exercise caution and avoid traveling within the country.

“Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq,” Kumar said.

Kumar further informed that Indian Embassy in Baghdad and Erbil would continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq.

Earlier last week, Qasem Soleimani, who was the head of Iran’s Quds Force, was killed in an airstrike by the US forces at the Bagdad’s airport.

Days after the killing of Soleimani, Iran on Tuesday (7 January) fired over a dozen missiles on two Iraqi bases housing US troops.

A total of 15 rockets were launched, 10 of which hit the Ayn al-Asad base in western Iraq and another facility in Erbil, US officials said.