Crisis in Syria: India Advises Nationals to Avoid Travel and Leave Urgently

New Delhi:
Amid a rapidly worsening situation in Syria, the Indian government has issued a late-night advisory urging Indian nationals to completely avoid traveling to the country until further notice. For Indians currently in Syria, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the importance of maintaining close contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus. The advisory also advised those able to leave Syria to take the earliest available commercial flights. Those unable to do so were urged to limit movements and prioritize their safety.

The MEA provided an emergency helpline (+963 993385973, available on WhatsApp) and an email address ([email protected]) for urgent assistance. Updates would be shared through the embassy as needed.

Escalation of Conflict: Key Developments in Syria

Syria is experiencing severe political turmoil, with Bashar al-Assad’s regime, supported by Russia and Iran, under pressure from rebel forces backed by Turkey. Over the past week, Islamist-led rebel groups have made significant territorial advances, seizing key cities like Aleppo and Hama without significant resistance. For the first time since the civil war began in 2011, Assad’s government appears vulnerable to collapse. Rebel forces have reached within five kilometers of Homs, a city whose capture could isolate Damascus from the Mediterranean coast, a strategic Assad stronghold.

The rebel offensive, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance, aims to overthrow Assad. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani stated that ending Assad’s regime remains their primary goal. Formerly linked to Al Qaeda, HTS has attempted to soften its image but continues to play a dominant role in the rebellion.

Turkey has openly supported the rebels, with its Foreign Minister set to meet counterparts from Russia and Iran to discuss Syria’s crisis. Interestingly, the HTS-led coalition has reached out to Russia and China, seeking diplomatic ties and support for their fight against Assad’s regime. Meanwhile, Iran, Iraq, and Syria held discussions in Baghdad, while Russia remains cautious about deepening its involvement given its ongoing commitments in Ukraine. Moscow has hinted at limited support for Assad.

Bashar al-Assad’s family has ruled Syria for five decades. However, the ongoing crisis marks the first time his hold on power appears genuinely threatened. Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, a former detainee of a U.S. facility in Iraq and once affiliated with ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has emerged as a prominent figure in the conflict.

India’s advisory is a timely warning for its citizens, urging utmost caution amidst a volatile situation. Indian nationals are encouraged to stay informed and make use of the resources provided by the embassy to ensure their safety.