Two days after President Bashar al-Assad’s government fell, Indian government successfully evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria. A statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the evacuation was coordinated from India’s embassies in Damascus and Beirut.
There were also 44 ‘zaireen’ of Jammu and Kashmir stuck in Saida Zainab, who were part of the evacuees. The men were safely airlifted to Lebanon and will fly back to India on commercial flights. Appealing for remaining Indian nationals in Syria to contact the Indian Embassy in Damascus, the MEA assured it will continue to monitor the situation. Assistance has also been provided through an emergency helpline and email ID.
Sunday saw Syria shaken by a major political upheaval when the rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized control of Damascus, capturing several key cities. Rebel forces declared victory in the country as President Bashar al-Assad fled and ended the family’s 50 year rule. Assad is reported to have been offered asylum in Russia.
Mohammed al-Bashir has taken over as caretaker prime minister of an interim government set up by the rebels. Al-Bashir was the previous leader of the rebel controlled Salvation Government and will oversee the interim authority until March 1.
The rebellion against Assad’s regime was spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaeda affiliate. And their swift and coordinated offensive toppled Assad’s administration — which had run Syria an iron fist for decades.
That would be a historic turn in Syria’s political landscape that would also draw on its future governance and stability. India has closely watched developments and is ensuring the safety of its citizens in the area.
