ALWAGHT- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman has refuted reports claiming the evacuation of its embassy staff in Syria amid the renewed activity of militant groups opposing the Syrian government.
Esmail Baghaei stated on Saturday that reports from Western media about the evacuation of Iran's Embassy in Damascus were false, confirming that the diplomatic mission remains fully operational.
On Friday, The New York Times alleged that Iran had begun evacuating its embassy staff and their families amid escalating violence in Syria, where government forces are battling intensified attacks by anti-Damascus militants. The report claimed some individuals were traveling to Tehran by air, while others were departing via land routes to Lebanon, Iraq, and the Syrian port city of Latakia.
Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the Israeli regime and allied anti-Syria militants of attempting to turn Syria into a hub for “terrorism and threats” against the broader West Asia region. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s continued support for the Syrian government and people, stating, “We will maintain this support as requested by Damascus.”
Since 2011, Syria has faced foreign-backed militancy, with Damascus accusing Western countries and their regional allies of aiding terrorist groups. Recently, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militant group launched a major offensive in Aleppo and Idlib provinces, capturing several areas on November 27. Syrian forces have since engaged in fierce battles, killing at least 2,000 terrorists over the past week to reclaim lost territory.
