New Delhi (NVI): India today asked its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iraq, issuing a travel advisory hours after Iran carried out missile attacks at two military bases in Iraq which house American troops.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also asked Indian planes to exercise caution while flying in the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The External Affairs Ministry, at the same time, said the Indian Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq.
“In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification,” the Ministry said in its travel advisory.
“Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq,” it added.
The advisory came hours after Iran fired multiple ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq, which house American troops. The damage caused in the attacks was being assessed.
Commenting on the Iranian attack, US President Donald Trump tweeted, “All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the US of “more crushing responses” if it retaliates to the attack.
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said his country “took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched.”
He said Iran does “not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.”
