"Request From Indian Nationals": India Evacuates 75 Citizens From Syria (X image @HussamHamoud)
Damascus, Syria: India on Tuesday, December 10 evacuated 75 citizens from Syria, as the opposition faction took over, Government fell, and President Bashar al-Assad fled the country. The evacuated citizens also include pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir. In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the Indian nationals have safely reached Lebanon, and will return to India by the available commercial flights.
The MEA said the evacuation was “following recent developments in that country”. The press release further added that the evacuees included 44 ‘zaireen’ from Jammu & Kashmir, who were stranded at Saida Zainab (a Shia pilgrim site in Syria).
It added that the evacuation, coordinated by the embassies of India in Damascus and Beirut, was put into effect following “our assessment of the security situation and requests from Indian nationals in Syria”. This is India’s first security assessment of the internal situation in Syria.
Also Read: Syrian Opposition Declares Start Of “New Era”; Damascus Captured, Al Assad Fled: Report
“The Government of India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad. Indian nationals remaining in Syria are advised to stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and email ID (hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in) for updates. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely”, read the statement.
Press release: Evacuation of Indian Nationals from Syria ⬇️https://t.co/7bESmhpKK2
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 10, 2024
The situation turned downhill for Syria’s Bashar al-Assad regime within the span of a week. Fourteen days into the beginning of the surprise attack from the opposition faction led by HTS, major cities were captured, government fell, President Bashar al-Assad fled the country, and a new interim government is underway. People all over Syria have started to celebrate, and Syrians outside the country is hurrying to get back home.
Also Read: US Planning To Lift “Terrorist” Designation On HTS: Report
Meanwhile, Israel launched more than 480 missiles in Syria within the span of 48 hours, claiming that the attacks were in fear of opposition getting their hands on weapons and strategic infrastructure in the country. Israel also seized more land in occupied Golan Heights, which is presumed to be against international law.
The opposition faction has also freed prisons in the country, which are notorious for its torture against the prisoners. Sednaya prison, also known as Assad regime’s “slaughter house” were also captured, and over 20,000 prisoners freed. Attempts to get to the trapped prisoners in levels underneath the prison is going on for days. Reportedly, Sednaya have 3-4 underground levels, and nearly 1,500 prisoners are trapped under inhumane condition.
