## India Issues Urgent Travel Advisory for Syria Amidst Renewed Violence and Unrest
The Indian government has issued a stark warning to its citizens: avoid all travel to Syria. In a travel advisory released on December 8th, 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged Indians to stay away from the war-torn nation due to a significant escalation in violence and widespread unrest. This urgent advisory comes in response to a renewed and intensified offensive launched by Syrian rebel forces, significantly destabilizing large swathes of the country.
The MEA’s official statement clearly advises against any travel to Syria until further notice. For Indian citizens already in Syria, the MEA is actively working to facilitate their safe return, encouraging them to leave immediately via available commercial flights. An emergency helpline has been established to provide assistance to those needing support. The ministry confirmed that approximately 90 Indian nationals are currently residing in Syria, including 14 working with United Nations organizations. The Indian Embassy in Damascus is maintaining constant communication with these individuals, prioritizing their safety and well-being.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, stating, “We are closely monitoring the situation. Our mission remains in contact with Indian nationals in Syria to ensure their safety and security.” This assurance underscores India’s dedication to supporting its citizens during this challenging period of heightened geopolitical instability.
The current surge in violence is attributed to a major offensive initiated by Syrian rebel forces, primarily led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group. HTS, with its origins linked to Al-Qaeda, aims to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Recent gains by the rebel forces, including the seizure of key territories like Hama and the advance towards Homs, threaten to further fracture the already divided nation. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, in a recent interview, reiterated the group’s unwavering objective: “It is our right to use all available means to achieve the goal of overthrowing this regime.”
This renewed conflict has dramatically worsened the already dire humanitarian crisis in Syria. Tens of thousands of civilians, particularly from Assad’s Alawite minority, are fleeing conflict zones like Homs, adding to the millions displaced since the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011. United Nations reports estimate that over 300,000 civilians have perished in the conflict, painting a grim picture of the human cost of this protracted war.
The timing of the rebel offensive is noteworthy, coinciding with a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. India’s diplomatic mission continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in Syria and assures its citizens of ongoing support and assistance. As the situation remains fluid and highly volatile, Indian nationals are strongly advised to remain vigilant, adhere to all government advisories, and prioritize their safety above all else. The government’s primary focus remains the safe return and well-being of all its citizens impacted by the escalating violence in Syria.
