India Issues Urgent Travel Advisory: Syria on the Brink of Collapse

Syria conflict escalates, world reacts

Rebel Gains in Syria Escalate Conflict, Prompting International Evacuations and Travel Warnings

India Issues Urgent Travel Advisory: Syria The conflict in Syria intensified on Saturday as rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured Daraa, a city near Jordan. This marks their fourth significant territorial gain in a week, following successful offensives in Aleppo, Hama, and Homs. These advances represent the most substantial insurgent push since 2020, drastically altering Syria’s political and security landscape.

Regional Impact and International Responses

India Issues Urgent Travel Advisory: Syria The rapid escalation has alarmed neighboring countries and global powers. Iran has evacuated its citizens and officials, citing worsening conditions, while Russia, facing its own challenges in Ukraine, has urged its nationals to leave Syria. Meanwhile, Hezbollah, another key ally of the Syrian government, is tied up in ongoing clashes with Israeli forces.

Videos from the region reveal highways packed with fleeing civilians, with many heading towards the Mediterranean coastal areas of Latakia and Tartus. Analysts warn that the fall of Homs could isolate Damascus from the coastal regions, a stronghold of the Assad regime and home to Russian military bases.

In response to the mounting threat, Syrian state media reported that joint Russian-Syrian airstrikes killed 200 insurgents on Friday, targeting rebel positions in Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo provinces.

India Issues Travel Advisory

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly advised against travel to Syria and urged Indian nationals currently in the country to prioritize safety. The Indian Embassy in Damascus has provided a 24/7 helpline (+963 993385973) and email (hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in) for assistance. Those able to leave are encouraged to do so immediately, while those remaining are advised to minimize movement and maintain caution.

Broader Reactions

The conflict has drawn international attention:

• Russia: The embassy in Damascus has urged citizens to leave Syria.
• Iran: Tehran has evacuated military personnel and officials to Iraq and Lebanon.
• Turkey: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan advocated dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition during discussions with U.S. officials.
• United States: The White House confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation.

As the rebels continue to advance, the crisis threatens to destabilize the region further, placing key Syrian cities and Assad’s regime under immense pressure.

India Urges Immediate Evacuation Amid Worsening Syria Crisis

India Issues Urgent Travel Advisory: Syria In response to the rapidly escalating conflict in Syria, the Indian government has issued a late-night advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid all travel to the country until further notice. The advisory recommends that those currently in Syria leave at the earliest opportunity via commercial flights.

For those unable to leave, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has emphasized the need to take maximum precautions, restrict movement, and remain in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus. Emergency assistance is available via the helpline number +963 993385973, which is also accessible on WhatsApp, and through email at hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in.

Escalating Conflict in Syria

Syria is facing a severe political and military crisis as rebel forces, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance, advance rapidly. Over the past week, several key cities, including Aleppo and Hama, have fallen out of government control, marking a turning point in the conflict that began in 2011.

The rebels are now on the outskirts of Homs, a city whose capture could isolate Damascus from Assad’s coastal strongholds. This poses a significant threat to the regime’s survival.

Rebel Leadership and Goals

The offensive is spearheaded by Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of HTS. Once associated with Al Qaeda and linked to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, al-Jolani has stated that the aim is to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad’s decades-long rule.

Regional and International Reactions

• Turkey: Fully supports the rebels and plans emergency talks with Russia and Iran in Qatar.
• Russia: Focused on Ukraine but has hinted at offering limited support to the Assad regime.
• Iran: Discussing developments with Iraq and Syria in Baghdad.
• HTS Political Wing: Reportedly seeking diplomatic ties with Russia and China.

The situation remains fluid, with international stakeholders watching closely as the rebels challenge Assad’s grip on power.

India Issues Urgent Advisory for Citizens as Rebels Seize Major Cities in Syria

India Issues Urgent Travel Advisory: Syria Amid escalating violence in Syria, the Indian government issued a late-night advisory urging its citizens to leave the country as soon as possible. The advisory comes after opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, and advanced towards Homs, the third-largest city. This marks the first rebel assault on Aleppo since 2016, when the city was recaptured by Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces with Russian air support.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advised Indian nationals to avoid all travel to Syria and stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus. For those already in Syria, the MEA recommended leaving immediately via available commercial flights and urged caution for those unable to depart. The embassy’s emergency contact details are +963 993385973 (also available on WhatsApp) and hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in.

The Situation in Syria

India Issues Urgent Travel Advisory: Syria The offensive by HTS and Turkish-backed Syrian militias has disrupted the fragile stalemate that followed years of civil war. In addition to Aleppo and Homs, the government has also lost control of the southern city of Deraa and much of the surrounding province.

HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Golani stated that the Assad regime is on the verge of collapse, with only Russian and Iranian support keeping it afloat.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed concerns over international support for the insurgents and announced plans to discuss the situation with Turkish and Iranian officials to curb the financing and arming of rebel forces.