The Indian Government has issued a late-night advisory urging all Indian nationals to avoid travel to Syria due to the escalating security situation. The advisory also advises those already in Syria to leave the country at the earliest, urging them to take commercial flights if possible.

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• India has advised all nationals to avoid travel to Syria until further notice due to the worsening situation.
• Indians currently in Syria are urged to stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus for assistance.
• The government strongly recommends that those who can, leave Syria immediately via available commercial flights.
• For those unable to leave, the advisory urges the utmost caution and to limit movement as much as possible.
• An emergency helpline has been set up by the Indian Embassy in Damascus: +963 993385973 (also available via WhatsApp).
• An emergency email ID for assistance is provided: hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in.
• The current situation in Syria involves intense conflict between the Assad regime and rebel forces, with key cities like Aleppo and Hama falling to the rebels.
• The Islamist-led rebel offensive, which began on November 27, is being led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group linked to Al-Qaeda.
• Rebel forces have advanced rapidly, with Homs under threat, which could disrupt Assad’s control over the capital, Damascus.
• Turkey is supporting the rebels, while Russia and Iran are backing the Assad regime. Diplomatic talks are ongoing between various international powers over Syria’s future.