The Government of India has advised all nationals to avoid travel to Syria due to a deteriorating security situation. Indians currently residing in Syria are encouraged to leave promptly and maintain contact with the Indian Embassy. The advisory follows a rapid offensive by Islamist rebels against Assad’s regime, marking a significant shift in the power dynamics of the decade-long civil war.
In light of the escalating conflict in Syria, the Government of India has issued a late-night travel advisory, urging all Indian nationals to entirely “avoid all travel to Syria until further notice.” The Ministry of External Affairs has recommended that Indians currently in Syria maintain contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus and, if possible, to leave the country using the earliest available commercial flights. For those unable to depart, the advisory emphasizes the importance of exercising extreme caution regarding personal safety and limiting movement to essential activities. The emergency helpline provided for the Indian Embassy is +963 993385973, which is accessible via WhatsApp, alongside the email address [email protected] for additional support. The advisory concludes with a commitment to provide updates as soon as embassy personnel can be reached.
The situation in Syria has become increasingly dire, characterized by intense political strife as the regime of Bashar al-Assad, backed by Russia and Iran, faces formidable opposition from rebel groups supported by Turkey. Recently, these Islamist-led rebels have initiated a rapid offensive aimed at undermining Assad’s government. Major urban centers, including Aleppo and Hama, have reportedly fallen from regime control for the first time since the civil war erupted in 2011. The fall of Homs, if realized, would sever the connection between the Assad administration in Damascus and its coastal stronghold, signaling a pivotal shift in power dynamics within the country.
The leader of the rebel alliance, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has explicitly stated that their objective is to dismantle Assad’s authority. In an interview, he reaffirmed, “When we talk about objectives, the goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this regime. It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal.” The offensive commenced on November 27, coinciding with a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, both significant players in the Syrian conflict.
As international attention sharpens on Syria, Turkey has pledged its complete backing for the rebels. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled for urgent discussions with his counterparts from Russia and Iran about the ongoing crisis. Additionally, the HTS coalition has reportedly initiated diplomatic dialogues with Russia and China, seeking support in their efforts against Assad. In contrast, the foreign ministers of Iran, Iraq, and Syria convened in Baghdad to strategize responses to the unfolding crisis. With Russia heavily invested in the Ukraine conflict, its approach to the Syrian conflict remains ambiguous, though there are suggestions of limited support for Assad against the advancing rebels.
The advisory issued by the Government of India is a response to a critical and worsening situation in Syria, where the government led by President Bashar al-Assad is confronting increasing destabilization brought on by Islamist rebels. This conflict has significant implications for regional stability and international relations, particularly given the involvement of various nations supporting different factions within Syria. The situation escalates a decade into a civil war that has already resulted in substantial humanitarian crises and geopolitical challenges, compelling India to safeguard its citizens in the region.
In summary, India has proactively responded to the alarming developments in Syria by issuing a stringent travel advisory, advising its nationals to evacuate if possible and remain cautious. The intensity of the ongoing conflict, the decline of Assad’s regime, and the subsequent calls for international support from opposing factions signify a pivotal moment in Syrian history. The resulting political and humanitarian ramifications require ongoing attention from the international community, as stakeholders assess their positions in the face of this escalating crisis.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
