The situation in Syria is rapidly deteriorating. Rebel groups have taken control of the Hama city. Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued guidelines for Indians traveling and residing there. The ministry advised, 'Considering the current conditions in Syria, Indian citizens are advised to avoid travel to Syria until further notice.'
Additionally, the Ministry stated, 'Indians currently residing in Syria are requested to stay updated via the emergency helpline number of the Indian Embassy in Damascus: +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and the email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in. People are urged to venture out only if truly necessary.'
It should be noted that Bashar al-Assad’s regime faces another significant setback. Here, rebel groups have now taken control of Hama city, a central city considered crucial after Aleppo. The Syrian army announced they have evacuated the city to save civilian lives. Assad's army, supported by Russia, continues to strike at rebellion forces.
Hama Becomes Fourth City Under Rebel Control
In just a week, rebels have established control over Syria's second-largest city, Aleppo, and now seized the fourth-largest city. The opposition groups, advancing southward from their enclave in northwest Syria, captured Aleppo last week and reached significant heights north of Hama by Tuesday. Following this, they began advancing towards the city's eastern and western fringes.
