India Evacuates 75 Nationals Amid Syria Crisis

New Delhi, December 10 – India successfully evacuated 75 of its citizens from Syria, where rebel forces recently overthrew President Bashar Assad’s government. The operation was carried out in coordination with Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed.

Evacuation Details

The evacuees, including 44 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir, were stranded in Saida Zainab, a site of religious significance.

“All Indian nationals have safely crossed over to Lebanon and will return to India via commercial flights,” the MEA stated.

The operation was initiated after a thorough assessment of the security situation, demonstrating the government’s prioritization of Indian citizens’ safety abroad.

The MEA also urged Indians still in Syria to maintain communication with the Indian Embassy in Damascus.

Syria’s Political Collapse

Syria’s government fell on Sunday as rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized control of Damascus, ending the 50-year Assad family rule. The rebels’ success came after a swift capture of several major cities and towns.

President Bashar Assad fled to Moscow, where Russian state media reported he is seeking asylum. His nearly 14-year tenure was marked by widespread violence, a prolonged civil war, and severe crackdowns on dissent.

India’s Continued Monitoring

In light of the developments, the MEA reiterated its call for a peaceful resolution to Syria’s crisis.

“The government will continue to monitor the situation closely,” the ministry affirmed, advocating for an inclusive, Syrian-led political process to restore stability.