New Delhi, December 11: India has successfully evacuated 75 nationals from Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The evacuees have crossed safely into Lebanon and will return to India via commercial flights, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Wednesday.
Evacuation Details
Among the evacuees were 44 zaireen (pilgrims) from Jammu and Kashmir, who had been stranded in Saida Zainab, a significant religious site in Syria.
“The evacuation was coordinated by our embassies in Damascus and Beirut after assessing the security situation and receiving requests from Indian nationals in Syria. The Government of India places the utmost importance on the safety and security of Indians abroad,” the MEA said in a statement.
Advisory for Remaining Nationals
The MEA has urged Indian nationals still in Syria to stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus for updates on the security situation.
“Indian nationals remaining in Syria are advised to contact the embassy via the emergency helpline +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) or email at hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in,” the statement added. The Indian government has assured continued monitoring of the evolving situation in Syria.
Situation in Syria
The situation in Syria has escalated significantly since Sunday, when rebel forces entered Damascus, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country. Assad’s departure marks the end of his two-decade rule. According to TASS, Russia has granted asylum to Assad and his family, citing humanitarian considerations.
Rebel forces have also reportedly captured Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, and taken control of Saydnaya Military Prison north of Damascus. A statement from the Military Operations Command declared, “The city of Damascus is free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad. To the displaced around the world, a free Syria awaits you.”