MEA issues travel advisory amid escalating violence in Syria

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs issued a travel advisory cautioning Indian citizens against travelling to Syria and recommending immediate departure for those currently present in the country.
"In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification," it said in its advisory.
"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 MEA further added.
Urging those currently in Syria to stay in contact with the Embassy, the MEA also issued helpline numbers for assistance. "Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973," it said.

This comes as MEA confirmed earlier that approximately 90 Indian nationals reside in Syria, including 14 working with UN organizations. The ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal assured that the Indian mission is maintaining communication with citizens to ensure their safety."We are closely following the situation. Our mission remains in close contact with our nationals for their safety and security," Jaiswal said.
Recent attacks by Syrian rebel groups have resurged the previously quiet civil war. The rebels' successful seizure of Hama and their push towards Homs poses a significant risk of dividing territories under President Bashar al-Assad's control. United Nations reports indicate that the conflict, which began in 2011, has resulted in more than 300,000 civilian casualties and forced millions to flee their homes across the surrounding areas.