New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs issued a travel advisory on Friday evening, advising citizens to refrain from all travel to Syria until further notice. The ministry strongly encouraged Indian nationals currently in Syria to exit the country as soon as possible.
“In light of the current circumstances in Syria, Indian citizens are advised to avoid all travel to the region until further updates are provided,” stated the MEA. “Indians present in Syria are urged to maintain communication with the Indian Embassy in Damascus through their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also available on WhatsApp) and via email at hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for the latest information.”
The advisory further noted: “Those who are able to do so should depart using the earliest available commercial flights, while others are advised to exercise extreme caution regarding their safety and limit their movements as much as possible.”
According to the United Nations, rebel forces in Syria have launched a rapid offensive against the government of Bashar al-Assad, resulting in the displacement of at least 370,000 individuals since November 27.
The insurgents, primarily led by the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have expressed intentions to advance towards Homs and the capital, Damascus, which is the stronghold of Assad.
This unexpected offensive has altered the dynamics of a long-standing stalemate in Syria’s nearly 14-year civil war. In addition to HTS, the coalition includes fighters from the Syrian National Army, a group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias. The MEA has stated that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Arab Republic.
