The government today said External Affairs Ministry Sushma Swaraj is monitoring and reviewing situation of Indian nationals stranded in violence-hit Tikrit and Mosul towns of Iraq.

MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said the situation is receiving attention as a high priority. He said Secretary (West) Anil Wadhwa met Iraqi Ambassador Ahmed Derwari in New Delhi today in this connection.

The Indian embassy is in touch with international agencies to coordinate the safe exit of stranded Indian nationals from the two cities once the situation improves. The External Affairs Ministry has already issued an advisory asking Indian citizens to consider leaving Iraq.