India advises nationals in Syria ‘to leave by the earliest available commercial flights’

NEW DELHI

India advised its nationals on Friday to leave Syria “by the earliest available commercial flights.”

“Others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum,” according to a statement by the Foreign Ministry.

It said Indians are cautioned to avoid travel to Syria and are "requested to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus for updates"

The civil war in Syria has intensified in recent days, with anti-regime groups, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, fighting regime forces since Nov. 27 and making significant advances.

Anti-regime forces captured much of central Aleppo on Nov. 30, following a rapid push from its western countryside.

In their latest offensive Thursday, the groups seized the center of Hama, solidifying control of the city and forcing regime forces to retreat.