India evacuates 75 nationals from war-torn Syria after Bashar al- Assad's ouster

Amid a power crisis in Syria, India on Dec 10 evacuated 75 Indian nationals from the conflict-torn country. The evacuation was conducted two days after the rebel forces ousted President Bashar Assad's authoritarian government.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut coordinated the operation after assessing the security situation.

"The Government of India today evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria, following recent developments in that country," MEA said in a statement.

The MEA further added that all the evacuees safely crossed over to Lebanon and would return to India on available commercial flights.

44 evacuees from Jammu Kashmir

"The evacuees included 44 'zaireen' from Jammu and Kashmir who were stranded at Saida Zainab. All Indian nationals have safely crossed over to Lebanon and will return by available commercial flights to India," the MEA statement said.

The MEA stated that the government prioritizes 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.

"The government will continue to closely monitor the situation," it added.

The Syrian government on Dec 8 collapsed as rebel forces took control of Damascus following the strategic capture of several other prominent cities and towns.

Soon after the capture, ousted President Bashar al-Assad fled the country and reportedly sought asylum in Russia after the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of Damascus. This marked the end of his family's 50-year rule.

Assad's nearly 14-year rule was marked by civil war, bloodshed, and a brutal crackdown on political opponents.

On Dec 9, the MEA indicated that it is monitoring the developments in Syria and advocated for a peaceful and inclusive political process led by the Syrian people going forward.