The Foreign Ministry has issued an advisory against non-essential travel to Iraq following violence in Mosul, northern Iraq involving militant group Islamic State Iraq and Levant (ISIL).

The ministry said that Malaysians should “temporarily postpone or not undertake any visit to Iraq until the situation normalises", Bernama reported.

Wisma Putra also advises all Malaysians now in Iraq to return home.

It added that all 186 Malaysians in Iraq are safe.

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman (left) also reportedly said that Malaysia has expressed concern over the violence and strongly condemns the seizure of the Consulate of the Republic of Turkey on June 11.

The consulate was seized with 49 personnel and family members hostage.

"Malaysia urges their immediate and safe release," Anifah was quoted as saying.