The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday night issued an advisory to citizens to avoid all travel to Syria until further notice. The ministry urged Indians in Syria to leave the country at the earliest.

In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification,” the MEA said. “Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates.”

It added: “Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum.”

Rebel forces in Syria have pressed a lightning offensive against Bashar al-Assad’s government, displacing at least 3,70,000 people since November 27, according to the UN.

The insurgents, led by the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have vowed to march to Homs and the capital, Damascus, Assad’s seat of power.