MEA evacuates 44 stranded J&K pilgrims from Syria

Last updated: December 12, 2024 12:43 am

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Beirut [Lebanon], Dec 11 (ANI): Ambassador of India to Lebanon Noor Rahman Sheikh receives Indian nationals evacuated from Syria upon their arrival, in Beirut on Tuesday. All 75 Indian nationals evacuated from Syria including 44 ‘zaireen’ from Jammu & Kashmir who were stranded at Saida Zainab, reached Beirut. (ANI Photo)

Srinagar, Dec 11: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has successfully evacuated 44 pilgrims (zaireen) from Jammu and Kashmir who were stranded in Syria amid escalating unrest. The stranded individuals were transported to neighbouring Lebanon as part of the evacuation operation, with arrangements being made for their safe return to India via commercial flights.
“The Government of India prioritizes the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad,” the MEA stated. It advised all remaining Indian nationals in Syria to stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus for updates.
The evacuation brought much-needed relief to the families of the stranded pilgrims, who had been concerned for their safety due to the deteriorating situation in Syria. Saida Zainab, a significant religious site for Shia Muslims, is a popular pilgrimage destination, but recent events had left the pilgrims unable to return home until the government’s intervention.
An MEA official confirmed that all 44 Jammu and Kashmir residents had been evacuated from Syria and relocated to Lebanon.