China urges its citizens to leave Syria 'as soon as possible' as fighting rages

A view from 66 Air Defense Brigade of the regime’s army and its air defense systems and various military ammunition captured by anti-regime armed groups, opposing the Bashar al-Assad regime, as they seize the city center of Hama, Syria on December 5, 2024. [ibrahim Hatib – Anadolu Agency]

China, on Thursday, urged its citizens in Syria to return home following the intensifying fighting and deteriorating security situation in the Middle Eastern country, Anadolu Agency reports.

The Chinese Embassy in Damascus, in a statement, said while commercial flights are still operating, it recommends that Chinese citizens in Syria return home or leave the country “as soon as possible”.

Currently, the statement added, the fighting in north-west Syria is intensifying and the security situation in the country has further deteriorated.

“People who meet the conditions can also leave the country through relevant land ports to avoid risks and ensure safety,” it further said.

In their latest offensive, the anti-regime armed groups in Syria captured Hama city, seizing the city centre, solidifying control and forcing the regime forces to concede the city.

On 30 November, anti-regime groups captured much of central Aleppo following a rapid advance from its western countryside.

The groups also seized the town of Khan Shaykhun, gaining near-total control of Idlib province.

The opposition Syrian National Army, meanwhile, launched Operation Dawn of Freedom against the PKK/YPG terrorist group on 1 December, liberating the town of Tel Rifaat.

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