Tense situation: Syrians celebrating in the main square of Homs after rebel forces entered Syria’s third city overnight as the government, led by Bashar Al-Assad (pic, below), collapses. — AFP
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians in Syria are safe in the wake of the collapse of the government led by president Bashar al-Assad, says Wisma Putra.
The Foreign Ministry said it is communicating directly with Malaysian citizens in Syria through the honorary Malaysian consul there.
“As of now, all 37 students and five other Malaysians in Syria are reported safe,” it said in a statement.
Malaysian citizens in Syria and neighbouring countries are encouraged to register via e-Konsular at https://ekonsular.kin.gov.my to get the latest information and for any assistance, Wisma Putra said.
The ministry added it is closely monitoring the situation in Syria and its implications on stability in the Middle East.
“The ministry will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates to ensure the safety and well-being of Malaysian citizens,” it added.
Malaysians in Syria who need assistance are advised to contact the consulate at +963933245555 or email samir@honconsularadvisor.my, or the Malaysian embassy in Amman, Jordan at +96265902400/+96265934343 or email mwamman@kln.gov.my.
According to Bloomberg, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks the conflict, said Assad took a flight from Damascus and left the country.
The 59-year-old, who took over from his father Hafez in 2000, made a last-ditch attempt to remain in power, including indirect diplomatic overtures to the United States and President-elect Donald Trump.
In a sign of how weak his military position was, he ordered his army to fall back on Damascus, essentially ceding much of the country, including Homs, to rebels, Bloomberg reported.
