India asks its citizens in Saudi city of Najran to leave

NEW DELHI: India today asked its citizens in conflict-hit Saudi Arabian city of Najran bordering Yemen to leave immediately.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said two officials from Indian Consulate in Jeddah Mohammad Javed Alam and Mohammad Faisal have reached Najran to help the Indian citizens.

"Now that shelling has stopped, all Indians in conflict zone in Najran may please leave immediately," Swaraj said in a tweet.

According to reports, around 100 Indians were caught in crossfire between Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia-led coalition forces.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Indian Consulate in Jeddah is in close touch with Saudi authorities and the Indian community.

"With reference to the situation in Najran, our Consulate in Jeddah is in close touch with Saudi authorities and Indian Community," he said.

He said Consulate officials Alam (Ph: 0532894074) and Faisal (Ph: 0507745466) are stationed in Najran and are advising Indian nationals.

Swaraj said "Mohammed Raghib Qureshi Head of Chancery will also reach Najran tonight."