Italy’s ambassador to Syria and diplomatic staff at the Damascus embassy were unharmed after rebels entered the ambassador’s residence early Sunday, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Tajani stated: “This morning, an armed group entered the garden of the ambassador’s residence. They took only three cars and that was it. Neither the ambassador nor the Carabinieri security staff were harmed.”
The Islamist fighters, who declared the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad after taking control of Damascus, reportedly searched the residence for regime loyalists or documents. They fired a few shots at a wall before leaving the premises.
Tajani, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said he had been in contact with Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni since the incident occurred. He also called for a peaceful transition of power in Syria. “We are advocating for a peaceful handover between the fallen regime and the emerging new reality, rather than a military solution. So far, developments appear to be heading in this direction,” he remarked.
There are approximately 300 Italian citizens in Syria, according to the foreign minister’s office. While the government is ready to assist them in leaving the country, Tajani noted that, apart from 15 individuals who crossed into Lebanon overnight, no further evacuation requests have been made.
