‘Leave at the earliest’: India issues advisory amid escalating violence in Syria

Amid rising tension in Syria, India urges citizens to ‘leave at the earliest’ as rebels advance

India has advised its citizens to avoid all travel to Syria, citing escalating violence following a major offensive by rebel forces that has plunged the war-torn nation into further instability. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued the advisory, urging Indians in Syria to leave immediately and take strict safety precautions.

Travel advisory details

In a statement, the MEA said: “In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria until further notification. Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights, while others are requested to observe utmost precaution and minimize their movements.”

For Indians currently in Syria, the MEA emphasized maintaining close contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus. The embassy’s emergency helpline (+963 993385973) is available for calls and WhatsApp messages, along with an email channel at hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in.

The current situation and rebel advances

The advisory follows a major offensive led by the insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadi coalition that has captured key Syrian cities, breaking a long-standing stalemate in the 14-year civil war. The rebels recently seized Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, and on Thursday captured Hama, the country’s fourth-largest city.

The capture of Hama marks a strategic milestone for the rebels as they push towards Homs, a critical crossroads city. Control of Homs would sever the territories under President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and weaken his hold on power further. Videos circulating online show residents fleeing Homs overnight as anti-regime forces advance southward along the road to Damascus.

Indian nationals in Syria

According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, there are approximately 90 Indian nationals currently in Syria, including 14 working with various UN organizations. “We are closely monitoring the situation and have taken note of the recent escalation in fighting in northern Syria. Our mission remains in close contact with Indian nationals for their safety and security,” Jaiswal said during a press briefing.

Background of the Syrian conflict

The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring uprisings, has devolved into one of the world’s most protracted and devastating conflicts. What started as protests against Assad’s regime turned into a multi-faceted war involving rebels, jihadist factions, and foreign powers. Over the years, the Assad government, with the backing of Russia and Iran, regained control of much of the country. However, areas in the north and northwest remain contested, with HTS emerging as a dominant rebel faction.

The current offensive marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with rebel forces making unprecedented gains since government forces recaptured Aleppo in 2016.

Implications and next steps

As the insurgents set their sights on Homs and Damascus, fears are growing of further displacement and casualties. The MEA’s swift response reflects concerns over the safety of Indian nationals in the region as well as the broader implications of the renewed violence on global stability.

The situation remains fluid, with India’s advisory underscoring the urgent need for its citizens to stay informed and prioritize their safety.

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