In a late-night announcement, the Government of India issued an urgent travel advisory for all Indian nationals, urging them to “avoid all travel to Syria until further notice.” The advisory reflects growing concerns over the rapidly deteriorating situation in the war-torn nation.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly advised Indian nationals already in Syria to “remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus” and take immediate safety measures. It added, “Those who can, are advised to leave (Syria) by the earliest available commercial flights,” while those unable to do so should “observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum.”
Emergency Contact Information
To assist those in need, the Indian Embassy in Damascus has provided a 24/7 emergency helpline: +963 993385973 (available on WhatsApp) and an email contact at [email protected]. The MEA assured that updates will be communicated as the situation unfolds.
Escalating Conflict in Syria
Syria is currently witnessing one of its most intense political crises in years. Rebel groups, led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance, have launched a large-scale offensive against the government forces of President Bashar al-Assad. This offensive, supported by Turkey, has seen significant territorial gains, including the capture of Aleppo and Hama—strategic cities previously under government control.
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The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that by Friday morning, rebel forces were within five kilometers of Homs, a critical city whose fall could sever key supply routes between Damascus and the Mediterranean coast.
The conflict threatens to dismantle the decades-long rule of the Assad regime, making this a pivotal moment in Syria’s civil war, which began in 2011.
Key Players and Global Implications
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of the HTS alliance, stated in an interview with CNN that the group’s primary objective is to overthrow Assad. “It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal,” Jolani asserted. The HTS, an offshoot of Al Qaeda, has sought to moderate its image in recent years but remains a dominant force in the ongoing conflict.
The offensive coincides with a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, another key player in the region and a staunch ally of Assad. Meanwhile, Turkey has expressed full support for the rebels, with its Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan scheduled to meet Russian and Iranian counterparts in Qatar for emergency talks.
On the other side, Iran, Iraq, and Syria convened a meeting in Baghdad to deliberate on strategies to counter the escalating rebel offensive. While Russia, Assad’s critical ally, remains preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, Moscow has hinted at providing limited support to the Syrian government.
The Road Ahead
The rapidly shifting dynamics in Syria have drawn attention from international powers, including Russia and China. Rebel leaders have reportedly reached out to these nations for potential diplomatic ties, signaling an attempt to broaden their influence on the global stage.
As the situation remains fluid, the Government of India’s advisory underscores the severity of the crisis and the potential risks to foreign nationals in the region.
For Indian citizens in Syria: Stay vigilant, follow updates, and reach out to the Indian Embassy at the earliest signs of danger.
