New Delhi: Another batch of 306 Indian nationals left the shores of strife-torn Yemen for Djibouti, from where they would be brought to India.
INS Sumitra departed from Al Hodeidah on Thursday with over 300 Indian nationals on board and is expected to reach Dijibouti by Friday afternoon.
The 306 Indians who left Al Hodeidah port, on the western coast of Yemen, comprised 251 men, 38 women and 17 children.
The 306 Indians who left Al Hodeidah port, on the western coast of Yemen, comprised 251 men, 38 women and 17 children.
"We have evacuated 700 Indians by ship so far. Waiting for air clearences and if all goes well we will be able to evacuate 700 Indians from Sanaa to Dijibouti and they'll be able to come home soon," MEA said.
A total of 358 Indians arrived from the strife-torn country. Two C-17 Globemaster transport planes arrived early morning -- one landed in Mumbai with 190 people, while another with 168 Indians went to Kochi in Kerala.
Yemen has been rocked by fighting since January 22 when Shia Houthi rebels took over Sana'a. President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi who was in Aden flew off to Riyadh. Yemen has been facing continuing air strikes by a coalition of 10 countries led by Saudi Arabia.
India has initiated a highly coordinated operation to evacuate its nationals.
The returnees expressed happiness to be back home, but were concerned about their future.
"We are really happy to be with our near and dear ones," said a nurse who was elated over her safe return to Kochi.
"The bigger question is what will happen to our future. We want a job, but do not know where it will come from, as we have families to look after," said the nurse.
(With inputs from IANS)
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