Australians urged not to travel to Syria due to risks of kidnapping and air strikes

Syria. Palmyra (Tadmor). General view of the ancient Roman city remains, there is the monumental arch (gateway) and colonnade on right side. This site is on UNESCO World Heritage List

The Australian government is urging Aussies not to travel to Syria after armed rebel groups have taken over the capital city of Damascus.

Syria is rated as red on the Smartraveller website, which means “do not travel”. The government website describes the situation as “volatile”, citing risks such as kidnapping and terrorism.

“We continue to advise do not travel to Syria due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of armed conflict, air strikes, terrorism and kidnapping. The security situation remains volatile.”

The airport for Syria is currently closed with all flights suspended until further notice.

“Armed clashes are ongoing throughout north-west Syria, including the governorates of Damascus, Aleppo, Idlib, Hama and Homs. Shelter in place and leave when it’s safe to do so. If you’re in Syria, despite our advice, avoid possible terrorist and military targets,” Smartraveller warns.

The situation in the wider Middle East 

With the situation now highly volatile in Lebanon, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Smartraveller has warned that this could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East.

“Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests,” it said.

Much of the Middle East is now marked as red, including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Iran. Israel is now marked as amber, meaning reconsider your need to travel. “If you’re in Israel, you should reconsider whether you need to remain and if not, depart when it’s safe to do so,” it says, adding that there is a risk of missile attacks.

Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are marked as yellow meaning exercise a  high degree of caution whilst both Qatar and Oman are marked as green which generally means that the location is considered safe.

Feature image: Syria. Palmyra (Tadmor). 

 

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

syria war

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