In Tikrit, where the 46 nurses from Kerala are stranded, this is what Akbaruddin said. "Electricity, food is available in the hospital. No gunfire has been reported from outside the hospital. The govt is in touch with all 46 nurses," he said.

The briefings will be held every day once a day. He said immigration clearance to Iraq has been stopped for a month.

Here's what else the MEA said at the media briefing:
-- The government is knocking on all doors -- front doors, back doors and trapdoors.
-- Eight Indians have been moved out of Baiji in Iraq. Eight more, who were working with the Indian company, Lanco, have been facilitated to return.
-- Govt will pay for the tickets of those needing assistance.
-- One Indian who has been abducted has escaped and is with the embassy in Baghdad.