Ukrainians advised to leave Syria amid security concerns

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the worsening security environment in Syria prompted the advisory, Ukrinform reports.

"Due to the deteriorating security situation in Syria, the Embassy of Ukraine in Lebanon strongly recommends that Ukrainian citizens refrain from any travel to Syria until the situation stabilizes. Those already in the country are advised to leave immediately," the statement reads.

For those who decide to remain in Syria, the Embassy recommends: avoiding crowded places and refraining from participating in protests or demonstrations; strictly adhering to safety precautions and local regulations for foreigners; not leaving their residences unless absolutely necessary; always carrying identification documents; considering shortening their stay in the country.

In emergencies or situations threatening life and health, Ukrainians are advised to contact the Ukrainian Embassy in Lebanon without delay.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, opposition forces led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have seized dozens of settlements in Syria. On November 29, they entered Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city.

On December 1, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced that Aleppo is no longer under Assad regime control for the first time since the conflict began over a decade ago.

As of December 5, clashes in the Syrian city of Hama have escalated between Assad’s forces and armed opposition groups. The opposition has seized 20 more villages in the Hama region and entered the city center.

Airstrikes by Russian aviation on Aleppo’s university hospital and Idlib’s city center have killed at least 17 and injured 70, including civilians.

The Ukrainian MFA has stated that Moscow and Tehran bear primary responsibility for the worsening security situation in Syria.