South Korea extended its travel ban imposed on six countries, including Iraq and Syria, along with some parts of the Philippines in consideration of the still high threat from political instability and terrorism, the foreign ministry said Monday.

   The six countries also included Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Afghanistan, where the ban will remain in place for six more months until Jan. 31 of next year, according to the ministry.

   The decision was made at a meeting of relevant ministries and agencies which was presided over by Vice Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul.

   The six-month extension was based on political instability, poor safety conditions and a high risk of terrorist attacks in those cited countries and regions, the ministry explained.  (Yonhap)