US sending fleet to Gulf, travel best avoided, expats may return - Iraq conflict gets worse

Mangalore Today News Network

US, June 16, 2014: According to the BBC, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered the USS George HW Bush, which carries dozens of fighter jets, to be moved from the North Arabian Sea. The US is preparing to send a warship to the Gulf in order to provide US President Barack Obama with military options as the situation in Iraq gets worse.

In India, press reports state Indian authorities are asking its citizens not to travel to the troubled-torn country and set up a 24-hour helpline to offer assistance to those living there. The following phone numbers have been advised for those Indians who need any assistance -Tel. No. +964 770 444 4899; +964 770 444 4899 (Mobile), Tel No. +964 770 484 3247; +964 770 484 3247 (Mobile).

The Indian government asked Indians residing in Iraq to consider leaving the country in view of the "precarious" security situation there.

External Affairs Ministry (MEA) said, Indian Embassy in Baghdad has set up a 24-hour helpline which can be accessed for information or assistance.  The MEA also said "Indian nationals in Iraq may consider leaving the country by commercial means if it is safe to do so.

"  It also asked Indians living in violence-affected areas in Iraq to remain indoors and remain in contact with Indian Embassy in Baghdad. So far no Indian has been reported in any kind of tragedy.

The MEA has advised, "Those nationals who do not have travel documents or need other consular services are advised to seek assistance from the Indian Embassy in Baghdad."