Despite the escalating crisis in Syria, which has seen the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s over two-decade-long rule following a rebel takeover, the Indian Embassy in Damascus remains operational and continues to maintain contact with all Indian nationals, sources confirmed on Sunday.
The sources emphasized that all Indian nationals in Syria are safe and assured that the embassy is available to assist them in the conflict-stricken nation. “Indian Embassy continues to remain operational in Damascus, Syria. The Embassy is in touch with all Indian nationals, and they are safe. The embassy remains available to assist Indian nationals in Syria,” the sources stated.
The situation in Syria has drawn global attention after Syrian rebels entered Damascus on Sunday, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee to an undisclosed location. This marked the end of his more than two-decade rule.
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The development came hours after the rebels claimed to have captured Syria’s third-largest city, Homs, located to the north. Hadi al-Bahra, head of Syria’s main opposition group abroad, confirmed the fall of Damascus, stating, “Damascus is now without Bashar al-Assad,” according to Reuters.
The armed opposition declared Assad’s departure in a statement, saying, “The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has fled.”
Earlier on Friday, the Indian government issued a travel advisory for Syria, strongly urging Indian nationals to avoid traveling to the country. “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 stated.
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It also provided guidelines for those currently in Syria, urging them to contact the Indian Embassy for updates and consider leaving the country at the earliest opportunity. “Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number (also on WhatsApp) and email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates. Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights, and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum,” the ministry added.
Rebel forces declared their control over Damascus and claimed to have seized the notorious Saydnaya Military Prison north of the capital. “We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” the Military Operations Command announced in a statement on Telegram. It added, “To the displaced all over the world, a free Syria awaits you.”
The civil war in Syria, which had been relatively dormant in recent years, has reignited with surprising speed. In just a few weeks, rebel groups have seized control of several strategic cities, including Aleppo, Homs, and Daraa, signaling a significant shift in the ongoing conflict.
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