Syria Civil War: Amidst the conflict and coup in Syria, rebels entered the residence of the Italian Ambassador in Damascus. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said an armed group entered the garden of the Italian ambassador’s residence in Damascus and stole three cars. However, the rebels did not cause any harm to the ambassador and the Carabinieri (embassy police). Tajani has appealed for a peaceful transfer of power in Syria.
Italy’s Foreign Minister’s Office has expressed its commitment to ensure the safety of its 300 citizens living in Syria. Tajani said that his government is ready to help citizens wishing to leave the country. “This morning, a rebel group entered the garden of the Italian ambassador’s residence. They snatched three automobiles,” Tajani said after a meeting on the situation in Syria.
‘Situation is completely under control in Syria’
He said the rebel group was searching for Assad’s soldiers, but did not cause any harm to the ambassador or the Italian police stationed there. Tajani confirmed that the ambassador was “safe” and was working remotely from a different location. He said, “The situation there is completely under control. There is a lot of happiness in Syria, but expressing happiness by firing in the air increases the confusion.” Earlier in the day, Islamist-led rebels announced they had entered Damascus in an attack against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces.
Iraqi Embassy evacuated
The Iraqi embassy has been evacuated after clashes in Damascus. Iraq has issued a high alert advisory on the Syrian border and the deployment of troops there has been increased. A large number of Syrian army soldiers have taken refuge in Iraq.
India also issued advisory
In an advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday, MEA had advised Indian citizens not to travel to Syria until further notice. The advisory said that Indians living in Syria should keep in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus on the emergency helpline number +963 993385973 and email id hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in.
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