'Get available flights, leave immediately'; India advises nationals in Syria

NEW DELHI: India has issued a warning to its citizens to immediately leave Syria, as the country grapples with civil unrest. A travel warning issued by the Ministry of External Affairs advised all citizens to avoid travelling to Syria until further notice.

“Get on available flights and leave Syria as soon as possible. All other safety precautions should be taken.” The Ministry of External Affairs advised Indian nationals in Syria not to go out except in cases of necessity. Citizens can contact the Indian Embassy in Damascus. The embassy can be contacted through the helpline number +963 993385973. The Ministry of External Affairs said that the embassy can also be contacted via email at hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in.

According to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal there are 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 working for UN institutions. India is closely monitoring the civil unrest in northern Syria and is constantly in touch with Indian nationals. Jaiswal also stated that their safety will be given utmost importance.

On November 27, rebel armed groups launched an offensive against the forces of President Bashar al-Assad in the northwestern province of Aleppo. The jihadist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is behind the civil unrest. Rebels have captured Syria's largest city, including Aleppo. Rebels also released the prisoners after gaining control of the city of Hama.

The Chinese embassy in Syria has also warned citizens to leave the country as soon as possible. Russian warplanes have also stepped up attacks against the rebels. It is estimated that more than five hundred people have been killed in the riots so far.