MEA Urges Indians to Leave Syria Amid Escalating Conflict - Amid worsening tensions in Syria, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong advisory urging Indian citizens to refrain from traveling to the country until further notice. The advisory also recommended those already in Syria to leave at the earliest opportunity.

In its press release, the MEA shared an emergency helpline number (+963993385973) and an email address (hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in) for Indian nationals requiring assistance.

The advisory follows a significant escalation in Syria’s ongoing civil war. The ministry noted that Islamist-led rebel forces are making rapid advances, including the capture of key cities. One of the most notable developments is the fall of Daraa, a southern city historically known as the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. This marks the fourth major city lost by Assad’s forces within a week, signaling a critical turning point in the conflict.

Daraa holds symbolic and strategic importance in Syria's history, as the protests that ignited the decade-long conflict originated there. Rebel groups confirmed that intense clashes with government forces led to their control over the city.

An MEA spokesperson said that the situation in northern Syria is being closely monitored. “There are about 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 working with various UN organizations. Our mission remains in close contact with them to ensure their safety and security,” the spokesperson added.

Current Situation in Syria
Rebel fighters have launched a swift and aggressive campaign to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, capturing city after city in the northern and central regions of the country. According to reports, the rebels are now advancing towards Homs, Syria's third-largest city.

The loss of Homs would deal a severe blow to Assad’s forces, cutting off the capital Damascus from the Mediterranean coast, a critical stronghold for the ruling Assad family. The offensive has already resulted in the loss of major cities like Aleppo and Hama, territories that had been under government control since the beginning of the civil war in 2011.

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group, emphasized in a recent interview that the ultimate goal of the rebel forces is to bring an end to Assad’s rule.