By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – Filipinos have been told to avoid unnecessary travel to Iraq due to “prevailing security situation in the region.”
“Due to recent developments in the region, Filipino nationals are advised to monitor ongoing news and contact Embassy Hotline (+964 740 810 5240) for emergencies,” the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad said on Thursday.
“Filipino nationals are advised to avoid unnecessary travel to Iraq due to the prevailing security situation in the region,” it added.
Filipinos who are already in Iraq, meanwhile, are advised to avoid public places, monitor ongoing news, exercise caution, and remain vigilant.
To date, Iraq remains under Alert Level 3 status, meaning “violent disturbances or external aggression” in a limited area occur here.
The embassy warning came a day after the United States Department of States ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel in Iraq. No specific reason was also cited for the partial evacuation except for “heightened regional tensions.”
New York-based CBS News earlier reported that US officials have been informed that Israel is ready to launch an operation into Iran.
Iran, on the other hand, had warned it would “boldly target” US military bases within its reach should a “conflict is imposed” on Tehran.
These developments come ahead of an anticipated US-Iran talks in Oman on June 15, with a goal of hammering out a new nuclear deal. (PNA)
