Ravi Bhushan a resident of Ghaziabad and the first of 75 Indian nationals evacuated from Syria, shared his harrowing experience in Damascus. He expressed deep gratitude to the Indian government and its embassies in Syria and Lebanon for their swift and efficient rescue operation.
Bhushan described the dire conditions in Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by Syrian rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). He recounted scenes of widespread panic, open gunfire, bombings, and rampant looting.
“People are firing on open roads, bombarding buildings, and looting banks. The airport is completely damaged, and vehicles parked in hotels and other areas are being destroyed. The situation is very bad and expected to worsen in the coming days,” he told Aanworld Reporter.
The Indian government initiated a rescue operation as the crisis escalated. Bhushan praised the Indian embassy’s proactive approach, highlighting their consistent communication and support.
“The embassy kept updating us every hour about the rescue plans. They ensured that everyone had food and other essentials. Their constant motivation and reassurance were a lifeline for us during such a chaotic time,” he said.
Bhushan also spoke about the plight of people from other countries, especially children and women. Many were left waiting in freezing temperatures for hours without basic facilities.
“In comparison, the efforts by the Indian government were commendable. We did not face such hardships, and for that, we are truly thankful,” he added.
Bhushan was in Syria for business purposes when the situation deteriorated unexpectedly. “When I arrived, everything seemed fine. Even our customers assured us of stability. But within days, the uprising began, and things spiraled out of control,” he recounted.
The Indian embassy confirmed the evacuation of all 75 nationals, including 44 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir stranded in Saida Zainab. They were safely transported to Beirut on Wednesday.
President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year regime came to an abrupt end on November 27, marking a historic shift in Syria. While Syrians celebrated his ouster, the aftermath left the nation in turmoil, impacting citizens and foreigners alike.
