In a swift and decisive operation, the Indian government has successfully evacuated 75 of its citizens from the war-torn nation of Syria. This move comes amidst a period of significant political upheaval, with Islamist rebels seizing control of Damascus and overthrowing the long-standing regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
Among those evacuated were 44 pilgrims from the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, who had been visiting the holy site of Saida Zainab. The Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut coordinated the evacuation efforts, ensuring the safe passage of all evacuees to Lebanon. These individuals are now scheduled to return to India via commercial flights.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a statement confirming the successful evacuation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad. The MEA has also urged any remaining Indian citizens in Syria to maintain contact with the embassy in Damascus for further updates and assistance.
The evacuation operation was prompted by the rapid deterioration of the security situation in Syria following the rebel takeover. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which spearheaded the rebellion, has assumed control of key cities including Homs and Damascus. President Assad, a close ally of Russia, has reportedly fled the country and sought asylum in Russia.
The sudden collapse of the Assad regime has plunged Syria into a state of uncertainty, with the rebels now tasked with forming a new government. The United States has engaged with the rebel leadership, urging them to establish an inclusive government that represents the diverse population of Syria.
The evacuation of the 44 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir has brought significant relief to their families and loved ones back home. Many of these pilgrims had been stranded in Syria due to the escalating violence and the collapse of the government.
The Indian government’s swift response to the crisis in Syria has been widely praised, both domestically and internationally. This successful evacuation operation demonstrates India’s commitment to protecting its citizens, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
The situation in Syria remains volatile, and it is unclear what the future holds for the country. However, the Indian government has assured its citizens that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being.
