Recent developments in Syria have captured global attention, especially with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's announcement to double the population in the Golan Heights, a region Israel captured from Syria in 1967. The Israeli cabinet unanimously approved this plan, aiming to increase the number of settlers in the area, which currently has about 50,000 residents, split between Jews and Druze. Netanyahu's office revealed an $11 million initiative to promote growth, focusing on security concerns due to Syria's instability. The funds will be used for education, renewable energy, a student village, and helping new residents settle in the area. Meanwhile, Israeli troops continue operations in the UN-monitored buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.
16 December,2024 03:45 PM IST
The Syrian civil war has led to significant changes in the Middle East, including the fall of the al-Assad regime after 50 years. Meanwhile, Israel continues to focus on rescuing hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attacks. On December 15, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with US President-elect Donald Trump about the ongoing Syria crisis and efforts to secure the hostages’ release. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would set its Syria policy based on the evolving situation. This conversation follows previous discussions between Netanyahu and Trump since the latter's election win. The United States, under both President Biden and President-elect Trump, has been a strong supporter of Israel, particularly in its conflict with Iran and its allies.
16 December,2024 12:54 PM IST
Amid the ongoing civil war in Syria, four Indian nationals who were evacuated from conflict-ridden Syria arrived at Delhi's IGI Airport on December 14. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a total of 77 Indian citizens have been brought back from Syria as of the same day. Syria's newly appointed Prime Minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, has prioritized the repatriation of Syrian refugees living abroad as a major initiative. However, the government is grappling with several challenges, including recent unrest near the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, which was set on fire. Additionally, concerns about Syria's political future—particularly Iran’s influence in the region—have been raised by Hezbollah and Israeli officials.
14 December,2024 12:42 PM IST
The Government of India has successfully evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria due to the recent unrest in the country. This evacuation was carried out with coordination between the Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut, after carefully assessing the security situation and responding to requests from Indian citizens in Syria. One of the evacuees, Ravi Bhushan, shared his terrifying experience after being brought back to safety. Speaking to ANI, he described the alarming conditions he faced in Syria. The evacuation aimed to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens caught in the crisis, as the situation in the country worsened, and the government worked to bring them home amidst growing concerns.
12 December,2024 05:40 PM IST
The situation in Syria continues to be a major focus for many countries after Syrian rebels overthrew President Assad’s regime. Taking advantage of the chaos in Syria, the IDF has strengthened its presence along the Golan Heights at the Israel-Syria border. On December 11, the IDF released a video showing Israeli troops carrying out operations in a buffer zone near the Golan Heights. The IDF stated that the goal of these operations was to protect both the people of the Golan Heights and all Israeli civilians. However, despite the video release, Israel denied on December 10 that its forces had advanced into Syria beyond the Golan Heights buffer zone, insisting they had not crossed the line.
12 December,2024 04:15 PM IST
After more than five decades of President Bashar al-Assad's rule, Syria is witnessing a transformative period. Across the country, there is a visible shift towards a renewed sense of hope and optimism. The streets are filled with smiling faces, and the familiar sight of victory signs. Most notably, the return of employees to work marks an essential milestone in Syria's recovery. It seems as if normalcy has returned to Syria. In the wake of al-Assad’s over 50-year rule, Syria is now poised to enter a new chapter, where the future is determined not by a single leader but by the people themselves. Watch video for more.
11 December,2024 05:50 PM IST
The world is closely watching the political situation in Syria as rebel forces have toppled President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Amid the ongoing civil war, many migrants are stranded and facing serious dangers. In response, the Indian Government evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also set up a helpline and email for Indians still stuck in the country. On December 8, rebel groups captured Syria’s capital, Damascus, after President al-Assad fled to Russia. Russian news sources report that Assad and his family have been granted asylum in Russia on humanitarian grounds. Russia, which has two military bases in Syria, has been a key ally of Assad throughout the war.
11 December,2024 01:45 PM IST
On December 8, President Bashar al-Assad’s 50-year-old regime in Syria was overthrown by rebel forces, who took control of Damascus after Assad fled to Russia. India has expressed concern over the situation and is in contact with its citizens in Syria to ensure their safety. U.S. President Joe Biden called the fall of Assad’s regime a “fundamental act of justice.” The United Nations urged Syrians to use this moment for a peaceful future. Meanwhile, Assad and his family have been granted asylum by Russia on humanitarian grounds, as Russia has been a strong ally of Assad throughout Syria’s civil war. Russia also has key military bases in Syria.
10 December,2024 11:45 AM IST
Amid the increasing dangers due to the Syrian civil war, MEA on Dec 06 issued a travel advisory for Syria and advised Indian nationals to avoid travel until further notice. While advising Indian nationals, MEA asked them to be in contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus and said “leave by the earliest”. Earlier during PC, MEA spox informed that there are around 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 working in various UN Organizations. Warning from MEA comes in light of the situation prevailing in Syria, which poses significant risks to travelers. Syrian rebels made a major development on Dec 06 after they claimed to reach the key city of Homs a strategic town for President Bashar al-Assad. It was the third major city, after Aleppo and Hama in the northwest and center, to fall out of Assad's control in a week. The latest escalation in the Syrian civil war comes after years that was largely dormant for years. The conflict began in 2011, after Assad moved to stamp out peaceful pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring.
07 December,2024 01:23 PM IST
Rebels in Syria have taken control of most of Aleppo, marking a significant setback for President Assad’s forces after a surprise offensive. The violence has caused thousands to flee, with many seeking refuge in unsafe open areas, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Curfews were imposed in Aleppo City on Friday and Saturday, and all public facilities, including schools and universities, have been suspended. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and banks and ATMs are running out of cash. On November 30, Israel carried out airstrikes on facilities in Syria used by Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated on December 1 that Israel is closely monitoring developments in Syria and will defend its interests.
02 December,2024 12:30 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
