‘Leave at the earliest’: India issues advisory for citizens amid escalating tensions in Syria

India has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid all travel to Syria until further notice. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday advised Indians in Syria to leave the country at the earliest. This warning comes in light of the rising violence in Syria, which poses significant risks to travellers.

“In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification,” the MEA said in a press release.

The ministry further advised Indians who are currently in Syria to get in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus. They can reach the embassy at their emergency helpline number, +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp), or email ID [email protected].

Those who can are advised to leave Syria by the earliest available commercial flights. Others are requested to restrict their movements to the minimum and observe utmost precaution about their safety, the MEA advisory added.

MEA spokeswoman Randhir Jaiswal said that there are approximately 90 Indian nationals in Syria, with 14 working for various UN organisations.

“We have taken note of the recent escalation in fighting in the north of Syria. We are closely following the situation. There are about 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 who are working in various UN organizations. Our Mission remains in close contact with our nationals for their safety and security,” he said in a press briefing.

The intense rebel offensive in Syria against Bashar al-Assad’s government has displaced over 3,70,000 people since November 27, according to the United Nations. The violent offensive has reignited a civil war that had remained dormant for years.

The conflict began in 2011 when Assad attempted to stamp out peaceful pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring. Reportedly, over 30,00,000 civilians have been killed in more than a decade of violence, according to UN agencies.