Iraqi government in planning to launch a major counter-offensive to repel the ISIL militants who have taken over many cities in the north and west of the country. In a statement, Iraqi government said that the security forces intend to respond by attacking terrorists of the ISIL who seized areas in Nineveh and Salah-il-Din provinces.
Iraqi Army regained control over Al-Saadan area, near Karmah in Anbar province from the militants Friday. It has already halted the march of militants in Samarra and regained control of Baiji refinery. It has also wrested Taal Afar district on the highway to Syria and neighborhoods around Baquba. Iraqi State TV has called for volunteers to join Army is securing the country.
US President Obama has said the US will send 300 military advisers to help Iraqi Army to coordinate its efforts and share intelligence. The air strike option remains open subject to the ground conditions and as and if required. However, Mr. Obama ruled out sending US ground troops to Iraq.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said he would travel to Iraq, its neighbouring West Asian countries and Europe to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
Meanwhile, New Delhi has stopped granting immigration clearance for travel to Iraq for next one month. Talking to reporters, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said in New Delhi that the Overseas Indian Affairs Ministry has taken the decision for safety purpose. The announcement came days after government issued a travel advisory asking citizens not to visit Iraq due to the prevailing situation.
Regarding 40 kidnapped Indians in Mosul, he said they are safe and the ministry is in regular touch with the Iraqi authorities to rescue them. Mr Akbaruddin said, one of the abducted Indians has escaped.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a high-level meeting took stock of situation following abduction of 40 Indians in Iraq. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh attended the meeting besides heads of intelligence and security agencies. In a statement, the Prime Minister's office said, the meeting reviewed the entire dimensions of the issue of safety of Indian nationals in Iraq.
The Prime Minister also took stock of the scenario in the energy sector in the country. Mr Modi was apprised of the problems and pending issues like gas prices, subsidies and fuel supply when Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal made power point presentations on their sectors. Official sources said, the Prime Minister was presented the current energy scenario as well as the near and medium term outlook and goals.
