GUWAHATI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, December 6, issued a travel advisory urging Indian citizens to avoid travelling to Syria amid rising violence. The advisory also called on Indian nationals currently in Syria to leave the country at the earliest.
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“In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria until further notification,” the MEA stated in a press release.
“Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates. Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum.” the press release added.
This advisory follows a resurgence of violent conflict in Syria, as rebel forces have intensified attacks. The recent capture of Hama and their advance towards Homs have heightened the risk of further destabilising areas under President Bashar al-Assad’s control.
According to reports, the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has claimed over 300,000 civilian lives and displaced millions, many of whom now reside in neighbouring countries.
