Russians advised to leave Syria as soon as possible

Russia advised its citizens in Syria to leave the country, as local sources said earlier that anti-regime armed groups have reached the Homs city center. 

The Russian Embassy in Damascus said on Telegram said that it reminded its citizens of the possibility of leaving Syria on commercial flights “due to the difficult military and political situation.”

“The Embassy and the Consular Section continue to operate as usual,” the statement reads.

The statement from the embassy came as local sources said earlier on Friday that anti-regime armed groups have reached the Homs city center, amid its advances in the broader province.

Earlier, the Syrian opposition forces had taken control of most of Aleppo’s city center and established dominance across Idlib province.