Indians in Syria Safe as Embassy Continues Operations in Damascus; Rebel Leader Calls Assad’s Fall ‘Victory for Islamic Nation’

Summary
– All Indian nationals in Syria are safe, with the Indian Embassy in Damascus continuing operations and maintaining communication.
– India has issued an advisory against travel to Syria and urges caution for those already in the country.
– Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, declared Assad’s fall as a “victory for the Islamic nation.”
– British PM Keir Starmer supports the fall of Assad, urging a political solution and protection of civilians.
– The Israeli military has warned residents in southern Syria to stay at home due to ongoing combat.

All Indian nationals in Syria are reported to be safe, with the Indian Embassy in Damascus maintaining regular communication and providing assistance when needed, according to sources from the External Affairs Ministry. The embassy remains operational and continues to support Indian citizens amid the ongoing crisis.

India had earlier issued an advisory warning citizens not to travel to Syria and advising those already in the country to exercise caution and limit their movements due to the escalating conflict led by Islamist rebels.

Latest Updates

– In his first public appearance since rebels took control of suburbs near Damascus, Ahmad al-Sharaa (also known as al-Golani), leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), visited the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. He declared President Bashar al-Assad’s fall as a “victory for the Islamic nation” and criticized Assad for aligning with Iran.
– Syrian state television broadcast a statement from the rebels, announcing Assad’s overthrow and the release of all prisoners, urging citizens to protect the institutions of a “free Syrian state.”
– British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Assad’s fall, calling it a positive development after years of suffering under his regime and emphasizing the need for a political solution.
– Abu Mohammed al-Julani, leader of HTS, also visited the Umayyad Mosque and delivered a speech celebrating the success of the rebel offensive, with crowds chanting in support.
– The Israeli military issued a warning for residents of five towns in southern Syria to stay indoors due to ongoing combat in the region.