On Friday, the Indian government issued a travel advisory for Syria, strongly urging Indian nationals to avoid all travel to the country until further notice. The advisory highlights the current situation in Syria, which presents considerable risks to travelers.
"In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.
Indians currently in Syria are advised to stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus for updates. They can reach out via the emergency helpline number (also available on WhatsApp) or by emailing hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in.
The MEA release advised those able to do so to depart on the earliest available commercial flights while urging others to prioritize their safety and minimize their movements.
India expressed concern over the escalating violence in Syria, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of Indian nationals in the region, the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Friday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that approximately 90 Indian nationals are currently in Syria, including 14 employed with various UN organizations. Addressing the recent escalation in conflict in northern Syria, Jaiswal remarked, "We have taken note of the intensified fighting in the region and are closely monitoring the situation. Our Mission remains in constant contact with Indian nationals to ensure their safety and security."
According to CNN, the violent offensive by Syrian rebels has reignited a civil war that had been largely dormant for years.
Since 2020, the front lines in Syria have seen little change, with rebel groups primarily restricted to a small area in Idlib province. Meanwhile, CNN reported that hundreds of people fled the central city of Homs overnight into Friday, as anti-regime rebels advanced further south toward the capital, Damascus.
After seizing control of Hama to the north on Thursday, rebel forces are now focusing on the strategic city of Homs. Capturing Homs would effectively divide the areas under President Bashar al-Assad’s control into two.
The conflict, which began in 2011 when Assad cracked down on peaceful pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring, has resulted in over 300,000 civilian deaths and displaced millions across the region, according to the United Nations and CNN.