"Act Now: India Issues Urgent Midnight Advisory for Citizens in Syria Amid Escalating Crisis"

New Delhi has issued an urgent advisory urging citizens in Syria to leave immediately via commercial flights. For those unable to depart, they are advised to prioritize their safety and limit their movements significantly.

P24 News Media

December 07, 2024

1 minute

India

In a proactive response to the escalating crisis in Syria, the Indian government issued a late-night advisory urging all Indian citizens to completely refrain from traveling to Syria until further notice. This communication, disseminated by the Ministry of External Affairs, includes an emergency contact number and a dedicated email address for assistance. The advisory emphasized the importance for Indians currently residing in Syria to maintain communication with the Indian Embassy located in Damascus.

The Indian authorities recommended that those who are able to leave Syria should do so at the earliest opportunity via commercial flights. For those who are unable to depart, the advisory stressed the need for vigilance regarding personal safety and urged individuals to minimize their movements as much as possible. The emergency helpline number provided for immediate assistance is +963 993385973, which is also accessible via WhatsApp. Additionally, an emergency email address has been made available: [email protected]. The advisory concluded by promising updates once the embassy staff is contacted.

The current situation in Syria is marked by severe political instability, as the regime of Bashar Al-Assad, backed by Russia and Iran, faces increasing pressure from various rebel factions and militias supported by Turkey. In a rapid succession of events, rebel forces have launched a significant offensive aimed at displacing President Assad, capturing several cities without significant resistance, and threatening key areas of government control.

Recent reports indicate that Islamist-led rebels are advancing toward Homs, a pivotal location that would serve as a strategic blow to the regime if overtaken. The developments have left areas such as Aleppo and Hama, crucial for maintaining Assad's hold on power, compromised for the first time since the onset of the civil war in 2011.

The Assad regime, which has been in power for over fifty years, now appears to be on the brink of substantial vulnerability, as ongoing military aggression from the rebels threatens the very foundation of its rule. Should the rebels succeed in capturing Homs, they would effectively sever the link between the capital city of Damascus and the Mediterranean coast, a critical stronghold for the regime.

At the helm of the rebel offensive is Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) coalition. Al-Jolani has articulated a clear agenda: to dismantle the Assad regime and end its prolonged reign. In an interview, he reaffirmed the commitment to use all means necessary to fulfill this revolutionary objective, emphasizing the urgency of their campaign.

HTS, a group originally linked to Al-Qaeda, has sought to rebrand itself in recent years and is leading the current offensive, which commenced on November 27. Al-Jolani, whose past includes time spent in a U.S. detention facility, has successfully reinvented himself within the political landscape of Syria, emerging as a key player in the conflict.

The timing of the offensive was notable, coinciding with a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. This situation has drawn the focus of not only regional actors but also international powers, with Turkey expressing its full backing for the rebel forces. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to engage in discussions with his Russian and Iranian counterparts this weekend in Qatar, addressing the complex dynamics unfolding in Syria.

In a further development, the political faction within the HTS coalition has reportedly sought diplomatic support from both Russia and China, indicating a desire to establish formal relations as they pursue their goals against the Assad regime. Meanwhile, foreign ministers from Iran, Iraq, and Syria convened to deliberate on the situation, highlighting the regional ramifications of the ongoing conflict.