ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign ministry on Friday urged its nationals in Syria to exercise “extreme caution” and avoid unnecessary travel to the country, as fears of civilian casualties rise amid fierce clashes between government and opposition forces there.
A coalition of Syrian armed opposition forces last week launched their largest offensive against the government in years, raising fears of instability in the Middle East.
The armed forces swept through villages outside Aleppo last week and now say they control much of the city, meeting little resistance as the Syrian military quickly withdrew.
“In view of the recent developments and evolving situation in Syria, Pakistan nationals are advised to avoid unnecessary travel or visit to Syria until the situation improves,” the foreign ministry said in its latest advisory.
“Those currently in Syria are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain in contact with the Embassy of Pakistan in Damascus,” it added.
Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson on Thursday expressed alarm at the escalating violence in Syria and called for a de-escalation in violence.
The Syrian government has vowed to fight back against the rebels’ assault. Russia, which deployed its air force to Syria in 2015 to help President Bashar Assad, is conducting airstrikes in support of the army.
It marks the most serious escalation of the conflict in years, adding to a toll which stands at hundreds of thousands dead since 2011, when the war mushroomed out of an Arab Spring uprising against Assad’s rule. Since then, more than half the pre-war population of 23 million have been forced from their homes, with millions fleeing abroad as refugees.
