The Canadian government has issued a stern warning advising all citizens against travel to Syria and urging those currently in the war-torn nation to leave at the earliest opportunity, provided it is safe to do so.

This renewed travel advisory comes as the situation in Syria deteriorates dramatically, marked by escalating violence, ongoing armed conflict, widespread terrorism, criminal activities, arbitrary detentions, torture, and forced disappearances. Officials are particularly alarmed by the recent entry of opposition forces into the capital, Damascus, signaling a historic shift in the country’s governance after over half a century under the Assad regime.

In a shocking turn of events, Syrian President Bashar Assad has fled the country, bringing an end to his nearly 14-year rule amid the chaos of a brutal civil war. This development raises serious concerns about the safety and security of all individuals within Syria, particularly Canadian citizens.

Canada has consistently warned its citizens about the dangers of traveling to Syria since November 2011, with its embassy in Damascus suspending operations in 2012. The current advisory paints a bleak picture of the security landscape, which is described as highly volatile. Access to major transport hubs, including the airports in Damascus and Aleppo, along with several border crossings, is reported to be severely restricted or completely closed.

As the situation evolves rapidly, Canadians are encouraged to stay updated with the latest information from government sources and follow the directions of local authorities if they are still in Syria. The Canadian government emphasizes that the safety of its citizens is of utmost priority.

Given the continuous instability and humanitarian crisis in Syria, Canadians are strongly urged to reconsider any plans to visit and to act swiftly if they are currently residing in the area.