New Phase in Syrian War

With the escalation of the war in Syria, the Indian government issued an urgent advisory asking all Indians to leave the country as soon as possible. This comes in light of growing violence because opposition forces captured Aleppo and Hama. More than ten years of conflict, a new phase of fighting in Syria, and India takes all measures to save its citizens in the midst of such a mess.

Fall Of Syria

Amid rising tensions in Syria, India issued an emergency advisory to all its citizens to leave the country at the earliest. The Ministry of External Affairs recommended that those who could travel should avail themselves of the first available commercial flights out of the country. For the rest, the MEA advised them to exercise utmost caution, avoid movement, and stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus. It comes at a time when major cities such as Aleppo and Hama have fallen into the hands of opposition forces. It’s a dangerous escalation in the Syrian civil war, but for India, safety remains top on the agenda for Indian nationals.

Syrian War

The conflict began in 2011 during the Arab Spring, with protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. Over time, the war evolved into a multi-faceted conflict involving domestic opposition groups, foreign powers and extremist organizations.

Key Rebel Groups and Players in the Current Offensive

• Hayat Tahrir al-Shaam (HTS):
  • Origin: Began as Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria, later renamed Jabhat Fateh al-Shaam in 2016, and evolved into HTS in 2017.
  • Leadership: Led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani.
  • HTS is designated a terrorist group by the US, Russia, and Turkey.
• Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF):
  • Composition: Kurdish militias.
  • Area under control: Administers northeastern Syria autonomously.
  • Former US Support: Heavily supported during the Trump administration before the abrupt withdrawal of US forces.
• Syrian National Army (SNA):
  • Origin: Emerged from the Free Syrian Army in 2011.
  • Supported by Turkey and opposes both Assad and the SDF.
  • Role: Jointly conducting operations with HTS under the “Military Operations Command” established in 2019.
• Assad’s regime: Controls most of Syria, with support from Russia, Iran and Hezbollah.
• Turkey: Historically backs Syrian rebels and controls trade and access in Idlib. It has controlled northern Syria since 2016.

Important locations of Syria

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