Canada Issues New Travel Warning for Syria as Transitional Government Orders Military Alert
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Canadian government renewed its travel warning on Thursday, urging citizens to avoid all travel to Syria and to consider leaving the country if it is safe to do so. The advisory follows continued volatility in the security situation and coincides with a full military alert issued by Syria’s transitional defense leadership.
In its updated travel advisory, Canada cited persistent armed clashes, aerial bombardments, high crime rates, kidnappings, and the enduring threat of terrorism as key reasons for concern. “If you are in Syria, think about leaving if it is safe to do so,” the Canadian government stated on its official website.
The warning emphasized that despite the transition of power following the fall of the former regime in December 2024, the country remains deeply unstable and prone to sudden escalations in violence.
In a development likely tied to rising regional tensions, a senior security official in the transitional government told North Press on Friday that Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasrah has ordered a comprehensive military readiness across all armed forces sectors. The directive reportedly came in response to credible intelligence indicating suspicious movements by armed groups allegedly linked to remnants of the former regime.
“These groups are believed to be preparing for coordinated military activity across several Syrian regions,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. The government’s response, the source added, is aimed at preempting any surprise offensive that could undermine the fragile stability achieved in certain areas since the regime change.
While details of the reported movements remain undisclosed, analysts say the mobilization underscores the precarious nature of Syria’s ongoing transition. The country continues to face the threat of insurgent activity, particularly in areas previously contested by regime-aligned factions and various non-state actors.
The Canadian travel advisory aligns with similar alerts issued by several Western governments in recent months, reflecting a broader consensus on the risks faced by foreign nationals in Syria. Although active combat has decreased in some regions, including areas under the governance of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), other parts of the country continue to experience intermittent violence, targeted attacks, and destabilizing activities by remnants of extremist cells or pro-regime elements.
Security sources in northeast Syria have previously reported increased vigilance by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and their partners, particularly in efforts to counter lingering ISIS threats and prevent the resurgence of extremist or destabilizing factions. The latest military alert by the transitional defense ministry adds another layer to the country’s complex security landscape, where overlapping jurisdictions and rival agendas persist.