The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Pakistan has issued a fresh advisory urging nationals to exercise extreme caution in Syria due to the rapidly evolving security situation. The warning comes as rebels, including the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made significant territorial gains, capturing key areas such as Aleppo and Hama from government forces. “In view of the recent developments and the ongoing conflict, Pakistani nationals are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel to Syria until the situation stabilizes,” the MOFA stated in a press release. The recent surge in violence saw HTS rebels storm the central city of Hama after taking Aleppo, further weakening President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, clashes between rebel forces and Assad’s troops erupted after the rebels launched a coordinated offensive, eventually declaring Hama “completely liberated” via their Telegram channel. Pakistanis already in Syria have been urged to remain vigilant, exercise heightened caution, and maintain contact with the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus.