The war in Syria escalated further on Saturday as rebel forces announced the capture of Daraa, a southern city near Jordan, marking their fourth major territorial gain in a week.
This offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is the first of its scale since 2020 when rebels were pushed to Syria’s northern regions. Rebel forces have also seized control of Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, significantly destabilizing Syria’s political landscape.
The sudden insurgency has raised concerns across the region. Iran has begun evacuating its citizens and officials, citing the deteriorating security situation. Other Syrian allies, including Russia and Hezbollah, are grappling with their own challenges—Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, Iran’s tensions with Israel, and Hezbollah’s conflict with Israeli forces—leaving Syria’s government in a vulnerable position.
The capture of Daraa comes amid reports of heavy fighting in Homs, Syria’s third-largest city. Rebel leaders announced via Telegram that their forces had reached the city’s outskirts.
“If Homs falls, it could sever Damascus from the coastal regions, a vital stronghold of Assad’s Alawite sect and the location of Russian military bases,” analysts warned.
Videos circulating online show highways packed with fleeing residents, as thousands seek refuge in the Mediterranean coastal areas of Latakia and Tartus.
Syrian state media reported that Russian-Syrian airstrikes killed at least 200 insurgents on Friday in Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo provinces, targeting key rebel positions.
Travel advisory for Indian nationals
In light of the escalating situation in Syria, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) India has issued travel advisory. Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all travel to the country until further notice. Those currently in Syria are requested to maintain close contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus for updates. The embassy can be reached at the emergency helpline number +963 993385973, which is also available on WhatsApp or via email at hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in.
Individuals who can arrange to leave are encouraged to do so using the earliest available commercial flights. For those who must remain, it is imperative to exercise utmost caution, prioritize personal safety, and minimize all movement within the country. The Government of India stresses the importance of adhering to these guidelines and remaining informed about developments in the region, according to an official press release.
International reactions
The conflict has prompted swift responses from multiple nations:
Russia: The Russian embassy in Damascus has urged its citizens to leave Syria, an unusual move signaling deep concern.
Iran: Tehran has evacuated military and embassy personnel, including senior commanders of the Quds Force, to Iraq and Lebanon.
Turkey: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition during a call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
United States: The White House stated it is monitoring developments closely.
As the rebels push deeper into Syrian territory, the conflict’s ripple effects threaten to destabilize the broader region. Key cities, strategic for Assad’s regime, remain under siege, and international stakeholders are bracing for further upheaval.
With inputs from Reuters and The New York Times.