The Middle Eastern country of Syria is in dire straits, with hundreds dead in weeks-long clashes - prompting foreign offices from around the world to warn against travel to the country, and urging citizens in the region to return home.
Thousands of heavily armed troops representing the interests of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have shown little mercy to dissenters protesting against al-Assad's rule - freely opening fire on those assembled to demonstrate, and conducting door-to-door search and destroy missions seeking protest organisers.
In a recent change to Syrian law, protests - which were initially outlawed due to emergency laws in place since 1963 - have been allowed under the condition that protest organisers seek approval from Syria's interior ministry. It is widely thought that due to the crackdown, the Syrian government is largely ignoring this new law.
Travellers in Syria are now being urged to depart immediately by the foreign offices of The United States, Britain and Australia.
Travel to the region is considered by these departments as highly dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs.
For travellers currently in Syria, options to depart the country are becoming limited as the situation worsens.
Syrian roads are increasingly blocked by checkpoints, preventing entry to and exit from certain cities. The border to Jordan has now been closed, however, departure to Turkey is still a possibility.
Commercial airline services are currently operating at time of publication, but with such a volatile situation currently in place, this could change quickly. Due to risk of attack, commercial airline services could cease operation in and out Syria altogether.
It is encouraged for those currently in Syria to limit movement to the bare essentials - with the main focus being on leaving the country.
It is encouraged to avoid prayer services, funeral processions, large gatherings, and of course, protests.
If caught in a civil disturbance
- If you are in Syria, and find yourself
caught up in a demonstration, keep to the edge of the crowd where it is
safer. Try not to be identified as being one of the demonstrators by
keeping well away from the leaders/agitators.
- At the first
opportunity break away and seek refuge in a nearby building or find a
suitable doorway or alley and stay there until the crowd passes.
- When leaving the fringe of the demonstration just walk away – don’t run as this will draw attention to you.
- In
the event that you are arrested by the police/military do not resist.
Go along peacefully, and contact your embassy to help you
resolve your predicament.
- If you are caught up in the crowd, stay clear of glass shop fronts, stay on your feet and move with the flow.
- If
you are swept along in the crush, create a space for yourself by
grasping your wrists and bracing your elbows away from your sides; bend
over slightly – this should allow you breathing room.
- If pushed
to the ground, try to get against a wall and roll yourself into a tight
ball and cover your head with your hands until the crowd passes.
- Remember to keep calm – the crowd should sweep past in a short space of time.
- If shooting breaks out, drop to the ground and cover your head and neck, and lie as flat as you can.
In Accommodation
Accommodation could be a hotel, guest house, apartment or house.
- Do not leave the accommodation and go into the street.
- Contact your embassy or consulate and advise them of your situation and whereabouts.
- On
hearing gunfire or explosions outside, stay away from the windows. Do
not be tempted to watch the activity from your window. Draw the curtains
or blinds to prevent shards of broken glass entering.
- If you are
in premises which have doors or windows opening on to the road side of
the property, ensure that all windows and external doors are closed and
locked.
- Sleep in an inside room which will provide greater protection from gunfire, rocks, grenades etc.
- If
you are in business premises, secure your area (lock doors and safes;
remove files, vital records and expensive equipment to a safer part of
the building).
- If a demonstration is taking place outside your
hotel, liaise with hotel management to keep updated on the situation
outside the hotel.
If in a car
Never drive through a crowd.
If you find yourself in the path of a crowd, turn down the nearest side road, reverse or turn around and drive away calmly.
- If you cannot drive away, park the car, lock it and leave it, taking shelter in a side street or doorway.
If
you don’t have time for this, stop and turn the engine off. Lock the
doors and remain calm. Be sure not to show hostility or anger.
Action after an incident
If it is unsafe to stay where you are seek a place of safety in a less volatile area.
If you have suffered injury seek medical assistance. Report any loss or damage to your property to the police.
Report your situation or whereabouts to family/friends/business associates.
If you are injured
If you are injured or become ill please seek medical aid and contact your 24-hour Medical Assistance Service (numbers below).
Be
aware that any functioning hospitals and clinics may be busy caring for
large numbers of people who have been injured in the unrest.
What is happening to me and who do I call?
It is important to remember that the situation you are in can be extremely stressful.
Call home and your country's Consulate or Embassy to let them know where you are, if you are alright and if you need any assistance.
Keeping an item of comfort nearby, such as a family photo, favorite music, or religious material, can often offer comfort in such situations.
Call the emergency assistance hotlines should you need immediate attention.
Emergency Assistance Contacts
Call the emergency assistance hotlines should
you need immediate attention (phone numbers below for WorldNomad's
policy holders).Please have your name, location and phone number ready
when you call (and policy number if available)
Click here for a list of 24 hour emergency assistance hotline numbers.
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