Newly-recruited Iraqi volunteers take part in a training session on June 20 2014, in Najaf as thousands of volunteers join Iraqi security forces in the fight against militants.
The 46 Indian nurses trapped in a hospital in Tikrit in Iraq are in a difficult situation, sources have told NDTV. The Iraqi military and jihadi militants of the Islamic State are battling for control of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's hometown.
Hospital sources have told NDTV the nurses are safe, but they expressed extreme anxiety at the situation the Indians are in. International humanitarian agencies have also requested the media not to keep calling the nurses--as that could endanger them or hamper evacuation efforts. NDTV is extremely sensitive to the situation and is not reporting any information that could put the nurses in danger.
At the daily briefing in Delhi, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Syed Akbaruddin confirmed what NDTV had learnt. He said, "There has been bombing and firing in the vicinity of the (nurses') building. They have sought refuge in the basement, They are in an extremely delicate situation. We have informed the Iraqi agencies of their location and we remain hopeful that despite these difficulties, we will be able to extricate them. They remain unharmed and safe."
Over the last four days, the Iraqi Army has launched a fierce counter-offensive, including a ground assault as well as helicopter gunship attacks to regain Tikrit. But, both sides claim they have the upper hand.
The nurses, who are trapped in the hospital compound, cannot be evacuated to Baghdad, located approximately 160 kilometres south of Tikrit, as the road is no longer completely regained by Iraqi forces.
Over 200 Indians have left or aided and unaided by the Indian government. New Delhi is also planning to facilitate the evacuation of about 600 Indians in the next few days. Efforts are being intensified even in areas which do not fall under the conflict zone, said sources.
200 Indians are expected to be evacuated from Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, in the next two to three days, said sources.
The Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry said an additional 1,000 people have approached them asking for help to move out of Iraq and an equal number had said they want to stay.