The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece has advised all citizens to avoid travelling to the Arab country due to its security situation.
"In light of the security situation in Syria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds Greek citizens to avoid any visit to that country," the ministry announced on December 7.
The statement added, "Greek citizens already in Syria are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to observe the maximum possible security measures."
Assad has not left Damascus, presidential office says
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has not departed from Damascus, even though a militant advance towards the capital city is gathering pace, the country's presidency said.
“Some foreign media outlets are spreading rumours and false news about President Bashar al-Assad leaving Damascus or making quick visits to another country,” the presidency said in a Saturday statement.
“The president is following up on his work and national and constitutional duties from the capital, Damascus,” it added.
Militants say they are trying to encircle the capital
Turkish-backed extremist militant groups are attempting an operation to encircle the capital, Damascus, a spokesperson said on Telegram.
Hassan Abdulghani, the spokesperson of the militant coalition led by the terrorist Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) group, said the “final phase” of their operation to “encircle” Damascus had started.
The Syrian military denied that their forces are withdrawing from the Damascus region, calling reports of retreats “a false media campaign… by armed terrorist organisations… with the aim of spreading panic and fear among civilians in the Damascus countryside.”
RUSSIA, IRAN, TURKEY
The foreign ministers of Russia, Iran and the main terrorist backer Turkey met on Saturday and agreed on the importance of Syria's territorial integrity and on restarting a political process, they said.
However, there was no indication that they agreed on any concrete steps, with the situation inside Syria changing by the hour.
Russia has a naval base and airbase in Syria that have not only been important for its support of Assad but also for its ability to project influence in the Mediterranean and Africa.
Moscow has been supporting government forces with intense air strikes, but it was not clear if it could easily step up this campaign.
Iran has said it would consider sending forces to Syria, but any immediate extra assistance would likely depend on Hezbollah and Iraqi militias.
READ MORE: Greek Court Sentences Bangladeshi Migrant to Life for Murder of Polish Hotel Worker.