In light of the recent flare-ups of sectarian violence in the country, the Foreign Ministry has advised all Malaysians currently residing in Iraq to immediately return home.
Yesterday, the ministry released a statement advising Malaysians to also temporarily postpone or not to undertake visits to Iraq until the situation there has stabilised.
The Malaysian government is gravely concerned with the recent clashes in Mosul, where militants affiliated to the group Islamic State of Iraw and Syria (ISIS) had captured the city from the Iraqi authorities.
The statement went on to say that Malaysia hopes peace and stability will be swiftly restored in Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, and the main urban centre in northern Iraq.
“Malaysia expresses its solidarity with the Government and people of Turkey as well as Iraq, and joins in prayers for the safety of all those affected by the violence,” the statement states, according to The Star Online.
Last Monday, militant forces spearheaded by ISIS and remnants of executed dictator Saddam Hussein’s support structure, overran a large swath of northern and north-central Iraq.
On June 11, militants seized the building housing the Turkish consulate and took 49 of its personnel and family members as hostages. Malaysia has called for their immediate and safe release.
Photo: Spencer Ackerman / The Guardian
