In a significant development, at least 75 Indian nationals have been evacuated from war-torn Syria, where rebel forces have overthrown President Bashar al-Assad’s government. The evacuees, including 44 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir stranded at Saida Zainab, have safely crossed into Lebanon and will return to India by commercial flights, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The evacuation follows multiple requests from Indian nationals and an assessment of the evolving security situation. The Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut played key roles in coordinating the operation. However, some Indians still remain in Syria, and the government has advised them to remain in contact with the embassy in Damascus using the helpline and email provided.

The rebel forces, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, captured the capital, Damascus, after a swift 12-day offensive, bringing an end to over five decades of Assad family rule. Assad, who was backed by Russia, reportedly fled to Russia before the rebels breached his palace. Mohammad al-Bashir, appointed as the transitional prime minister by the rebels, has called for stability and calm in the country.

Meanwhile, the US has reportedly reached out to the rebels, urging them to establish an inclusive process for forming a transitional government. This comes as the Biden administration continues its dialogue with the Trump team regarding the situation in Syria.