Damascus, Syria: In response to the escalating crisis in Syria, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been actively working to evacuate Indian citizens from the conflict zone. Recently, 75 Indian nationals were successfully relocated from Damascus to Lebanon. The MEA confirmed the development through an official statement, noting that among the evacuees, 44 are pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir.

The evacuees have safely crossed the Syrian border into Lebanon, where they are expected to return to India soon via commercial flights. While this group has been evacuated, several other Indian citizens remain in Syria. To stay connected, those still in Syria can contact the embassy in Damascus via WhatsApp at +963 993385973 or email hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in.

The ongoing conflict in Syria has seen armed rebel groups seize control of several major cities, including Damascus, the capital. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, along with his family, fled to Russia after negotiations with the rebels regarding a power transition. Following his departure, rebels celebrated his exit from power, and efforts are now underway to establish a rebel-led government in Syria. Assad’s regime, which had ruled Syria for nearly five decades, faced a major blow with the rebels' revolt, forcing his exit from the country on Sunday