New Delhi, December 7
India has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Syria in view of the ongoing violence in the country. In an advisory issued on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also asked Indians living in Syria to stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus.
Islamic insurgents nearly captured the central Syrian city of Homs on Thursday after capturing most of the country’s largest city, Aleppo. Thousands of people are fleeing Homs. “Given the current situation in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travel to Syria until further notice,” the Ministry of External Affairs said. “Indians currently in Syria are requested to contact the Indian Embassy in Damascus on their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and email id hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates. Stay.”
The advisory states that it is advised to depart by the earliest available commercial flights for those who are feasible and others are requested to take extreme precautions regarding their safety. News-Patiala