President Bashar Al-Assad flees Syria as rebels enter Damascus, say reports

DAMASCUS: Reports said Syria, where the civil war has intensified, is completely falling into the hands of the rebels. The capital Damascus is surrounded by the rebel army Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). They claim to have captured three other important cities. The resistance of the pro-government army is minimal. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa claimed in a video message that the final moments of liberation have been reached. It was reported yesterday that the rebels are only twenty kilometers away from the capital.

As the rebels neared the point of taking power, President Bashar al-Assad is rumored to have fled the country for safety. However, the official explanation is that he is still in the country. There has been no clarity on this.

The rebels, who have captured the northern city of Aleppo, the central region of Hama, and the eastern city of Deir al-Zor, are reportedly in full control of the southern region. Iran, Turkey, and Russia, which support President Assad, held talks in Doha. Iran's Foreign Minister announced that they decided to start political talks between the government and the rebels during their talks.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the rebel army Hayat Tahrir al-Sham a terrorist organization and demanded that they not be allowed to seize Syrian territory. The United States' position is that it cannot intervene in the Syrian issue. However, Iran announced that it will provide all possible assistance to the Syrian government. Hezbollah has sent 2,000 armed members to help the Syrian army in the fight.

Meantime, the central government has advised Indians to avoid all travel to Syria until further notice. The Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indians in Syria to leave the country as early as possible.

Indians currently in Syria should contact the Indian Embassy in Damascus. They can be contacted on the helpline number +963 993385973 (WhatsApp) or by email at hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in. Those who can leave as soon as possible and others should take precautions.