India’s Evacuation From Syria
India has evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a late night statement said, “the evacuees include 44 ‘zaireen’ or pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir. They were stranded at Saida Zainab”. It is is a town about 10 kilometers south of Damascus. The site has a shrine which is one of the most important destinations for Shīa Muslim pilgrims.
Also all Indian nationals, the statement added, “have safely crossed over to Lebanon and will return by available commercial flights to India. The MEA had earlier noted that “there are about 90 Indian nationals in Syria. Those include 14 who are working in various United Nations organisations”.
India’s Damascus, Beirut Missions Involved
The evacuation was “coordinated by the embassies of India in Damascus and Beirut. It was put into effect following the assessment of the security situation and requests from Indian nationals in Syria”.
The MEA statement noted that 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”. Additionally, “the Government will continue to monitor the situation closely”.
India’s Advisory On Syria
On December 9th, the MEA had issued an statement saying, “We are monitoring the situation in Syria in the light of on-going developments. We underline the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. And we advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process that respects the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society. Our Embassy in Damascus is in contact with the Indian community, for their safety and security”.
On December 6th, an MEA advisory noted that, “in view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification.
Helpline Contacts For Indians In Syria
Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with Indian Embassy in Damascus. The emergency helpline number is +963 993385973 (also on Whats App). Equally important is the email ID ishoc.damascus@mea.gov.in . 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”.
Syria is for now controlled by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). It is a group once affiliated to Al Qaeda (AQ). The HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani broke off with AQ over a decade ago. He has since tried to downplay the group’s jihadist terror activities.
StratNews Global has reported from Syria in 2018. Watch our Inside Syria series.
