Turkey calls on its citizens in Iraq to leave the country

ANKARA

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu

The Foreign Ministry has warned Turkish citizens about the risks of travel to Iraq and recommended the immediate return of those who are currently in Turkey's southern neighbor, following the abduction of 80 Turkish citizens, including the consul-general of Mosul, by jihadist militants.

A ministry statement said recent developments in Iraq made necessary the issuance of a new and more comprehensive security warning to Turkish citizens about the current situation in Iraq.

Taking into account the deterioration of security conditions in the country, it recommended that Turkish citizens should leave Iraq via the best and safest route.

It suggested the safest airports they can use are Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, Suleimaniye and Arbil. Those who want to leave Iraq via land may enter Turkey through the Habur border gate, it added.