China urges its citizens to leave Syria 'as soon as possible' as fighting rages

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - China on Thursday urged its citizens in Syria to return home following the intensifying fighting and deteriorating security situation in the Middle Eastern country.

Chinese Embassy in Damascus, in a statement, said while commercial flights are still operating, it recommends that Chinese citizens in Syria return home or leave the country "as soon as possible."

Currently, the statement added, the fighting in northwest Syria is intensifying and the security situation in the country has further deteriorated.

"People who meet the conditions can also leave the country through relevant land ports to avoid risks and ensure safety," it further said.

In their latest offensive, the anti-regime armed groups in Syria captured Hama city, seizing the city center, solidifying control and forcing the regime forces to concede the city.

On Nov. 30, anti-regime groups captured much of central Aleppo following a rapid advance from its western countryside.

The groups also seized the town of Khan Shaykhun, gaining near-total control of Idlib province.​​​​​​​

The opposition Syrian National Army, meanwhile, launched Operation Dawn of Freedom against the PKK/YPG terrorist group on Dec. 1, liberating the town of Tel Rifaat.