India evacuates 75 nationals from Syria days after rebels oust Assad

The evacuation of 75 Indians, coordinated by the embassies of India in Damascus and Beirut, was carried out two days after rebels ousted long-time President Bashar al-Assad from power, ending his 14-year rule.

In Short

• Evacuees included 44 people from Jammu and Kashmir
• All 75 Indians crossed to Lebanon and will return via commercial flights
• Bashar al-Assad fled Syria on Sunday after rebels captured Damascus

India on Tuesday evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria, two days after rebel forces overthrew autocratic President Bashar al-Assad, ending his 14-year rule. All Indian nationals have safely crossed over to Lebanon and will return by available commercial flights to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The evacuation, coordinated by the embassies of India in Damascus and Beirut, was put into effect following an assessment of the security situation, the ministry said.

"The Government of India today evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria, following recent developments in that country. The evacuees included 44 'zaireen' from Jammu and Kashmir who were stranded at Saida Zainab," the statement read.

The government said it accorded the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad.

"Indian nationals remaining in Syria are advised to stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and email ID (hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in) for updates. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely," the MEA said.

The Syrian government collapsed on Sunday as the rebels seized control of the capital Damascus after capturing several other prominent cities and towns. Assad fled the country after the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of Damascus, marking the end of his family's 50-year rule.

Russian state media reported that Assad is in Moscow and will be given asylum. His nearly 14-year tenure was marked by civil war, bloodshed and a brutal crackdown on his political opponents.

The MEA on Monday said it was monitoring the unfolding developments in Syria and advocated a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process going forward in that country.

(with inputs from PTI)