World News: In a dramatic turn of events, India successfully evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria on Tuesday, just two days after rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew President Bashar al-Assads long-standing regime. This operation underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation as the security landscape in Syria deteriorated rapidly following the collapse of Assads government. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the evacuation was meticulously coordinated by Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut, following a thorough assessment of the security conditions on the ground.The Government of India today evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria, following recent developments in that country, stated the MEA in a late-night announcement. This swift action reflects Indias commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad during times of crisis.Pics of 75 Indians evacuated from war torn #Syria, they are reaching home soon. https://t.co/uw6TWEtIUP pic.twitter.com/wNqagbh758— Abhishek Jha (@abhishekjha157) December 10, 2024Among those evacuated were 44 pilgrims, referred to as zaireen, from Jammu and Kashmir, who found themselves stranded in the Saida Zainab area amidst escalating violence. The MEA reassured that all evacuees had safely crossed into Lebanon and would soon return to India via available commercial flights. All Indian nationals have safely crossed over to Lebanon and will return by available commercial flights to India, the statement emphasized, highlighting the successful execution of this critical operation.The MEA reiterated its unwavering priority regarding 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, it advised, urging those still in Syria to utilize emergency contact numbers for updates.The Political Landscape: Assads Regime CrumblesThe backdrop to this evacuation is marked by significant political upheaval. The Syrian government collapsed dramatically on Sunday as rebel forces seized control of Damascus, leading to President Assad fleeing the country and reportedly seeking asylum in Russia. This event marks a monumental shift, ending a 50-year rule by the Assad family, characterized by civil war, widespread bloodshed, and severe repression of dissent.Assads nearly 14-year presidency was fraught with turmoil, culminating in a brutal civil war that has devastated much of Syria. In light of these developments, the MEA has been closely monitoring the situation, advocating for a peaceful and inclusive political resolution led by the Syrian people.The government will continue to closely monitor the situation, stated the MEA, reinforcing its commitment to supporting a stable future for Syria while prioritizing the safety of its nationals abroad.
