BEIJINGJune 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As the travel security environment in the Northern Provinces of Federal Iraq continues to deteriorate, experts are closely monitoring the situation on the ground and working proactively to track and support organisations with operations in the region. In recent days teams have provided real-time information to more than 10,000 travellers and expatriates in Iraq.
The International SOS and Control Risks alliance brings together the extensive global network and expertise of both companies. International SOS is the world's leading medical and travel security risk services group. Control Risks is the world's leading global risk consultancy firm.
On 10-12 June, the Sunni Muslim extremist organisation, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) seized control of large areas of Federal Iraq and stated an intention to advance on the capital Baghdad. Over recent days, the activity of ISIS and the mobilisation of Shia militias adds to the complexity of the security situation and to the risks faced by personnel based in Iraq.
Since the start of the unrest, International SOS and Control Risks have issued 15 real-time situation updates to clients and are working closely with them to cascade critical information and advice to personnel. An Incident Management Team is on the ground in Baghdad. This includes travel security, medical and security specialists from International SOS and Control Risks.
Grant Strudwick, Head of Security Assistance at International SOS and Control Risks, said:
"The situation in Iraq is developing rapidly and remains highly unpredictable. We expect that travel security will continue to deteriorate over the coming days. "
"We have a dedicated and extensive global network that is working around the clock to ensure we are getting real-time updates, assessments and advice to members who remain in the Kurdish region, Central and Southern Iraq. We urge clients to continue working closely with International SOS and Control Risks to support affected members."
Members with concerns about developments in Iraq can contact one of the 27 International SOS assistance centres. Detailed and regularly updated travel security updates are available to members on the Travel Security Online website, but general guidance currently includes the following:
Northern, western EXTREME travel risk provinces: Nineveh, Salahaddin, Diyala, Anbar and Kirkuk
Baghdad
Southern provinces
Kurdish Region