On Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a fresh statement amid the ongoing tensions in Syria and emphasised a peaceful and inclusive political process to bring stability to the country. “We are monitoring the situation in Syria in light of ongoing developments. We underline the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process respecting the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society.”
It further added that it is in touch with the Indian embassy in Damascus to ensure the safety of the Indian community. The statement read by MEA read, “Our Embassy in Damascus is in contact with the Indian community, for their safety and security”.
The rebels who have retained control of Idlib since 2020, advanced eastward toward Aleppo in what came as a “surprise attack” for many, on Nov 27. Two days later, the insurgents gained control of Aleppo, forcing the military to announce a “temporary withdrawal”. On November 28, the Syrian military confirmed the deaths of dozens of soldiers in the fighting.
After reigniting the conflict which laid dormant for years, the militants, on December 1 reportedly turned their approach southward and attempted to seize control of Hama, a city south of Aleppo. On December 5, the rebels declared their victory over Hama. On December 6, the rebels seize two towns on the outskirts of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city. About 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Hama, Homs is the gateway to Damascus and the location of one of Syria’s two state-owned oil refineries. Capturing it would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where he enjoys wide support. Opposition forces take Homs after government forces abandon it on Dec 7.
The city holds the significance of a strategic location as it stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base.After Homs, the rebels encircled the Syrian capital Damascus as part of the ‘final stage’ of their offensive. On Dec 8, Syrian state television airs a video statement by a group of men saying that President Bashar Assad has been overthrown and all prisoners have been set free. HTS commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani visits the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus and calls Assad’s fall a victory for “the Islamic nation.” Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said that Syria’s government is ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and hand over its functions to a transitional government.
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