The rebels have also reportedly captured Homs, Syria's third-largest city, and the Saydnaya Military Prison north of Damascus.

New Delhi: India has successfully evacuated 75 citizens from Syria amidst the escalating conflict following the takeover by rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which ousted Bashar al-Assad's regime.

The evacuees, including 44 zaireen (pilgrims) from Jammu and Kashmir who were stranded at Saida Zainab, have safely crossed into Lebanon and are set to return to India via commercial flights, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Wednesday.

“The evacuation was coordinated by the Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut, following an assessment of the security situation and requests from Indian nationals in Syria,” the MEA said. “The Government of India places the utmost priority on ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad.”

The ministry has urged Indian nationals still in Syria to maintain regular contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus for updates. “Those remaining are advised to use the emergency helpline at +963 993385973 (WhatsApp-enabled) or email hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in,” the statement read.

The situation in Syria remains critical after rebels seized control of Damascus on Sunday, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country, marking the end of his two-decade rule. Russia has granted asylum to Assad and his family, who are now in Moscow, according to reports from TASS citing Kremlin sources.

The rebels have also reportedly captured Homs, Syria's third-largest city, and the Saydnaya Military Prison north of Damascus. In a statement, the rebel leadership declared, “The city of Damascus is now free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad. To all displaced Syrians, a free Syria awaits you.”