The Government of India successfully evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria on Tuesday, following the collapse of President Bashar Assad’s government and subsequent security concerns. The evacuation was coordinated through the Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut, as per a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The evacuees included 44 zaireen (pilgrims) from Jammu and Kashmir who were stranded in Saida Zainab. The group crossed safely into Lebanon and is expected to return to India on available commercial flights.
The MEA reiterated India’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad, stating, “The government accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals. Indian citizens remaining in Syria are advised to remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus.”
The evacuation follows the dramatic overthrow of President Assad’s government on Sunday. Rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized control of Damascus after capturing several key cities, bringing an end to the Assad family’s five-decade rule.
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Reports indicate that Assad has fled to Moscow, where Russian authorities are expected to grant him asylum. His tenure, spanning nearly 14 years, was defined by a devastating civil war, widespread violence, and heavy-handed crackdowns on dissent.
The MEA had earlier stated it was closely monitoring the developments in Syria. India has also emphasised the need for a peaceful, inclusive, and Syrian-led political process to stabilise the nation following the regime change.
The situation remains volatile in Syria, with international observers keeping a close watch on the aftermath of the regime’s fall.
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