Armenia has been quick to react to the stunning downfall of the Assad regime in Syria, relocating its embassy in Damascus and withdrawing its peacekeeping contingent from the country. But so far, authorities have largely been stymied in trying to figure out a way to help Syrian-Armenians leave the country, if they so desire. 

Armenia’s non-combat military personnel had been based in Aleppo. These peacekeepers, primarily tasked with demining and medical assistance, had been operating since 2019 as part of a humanitarian mission. The Defense Ministry evacuated the contingent on November 30.  

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement on December 8 saying that under the present, uncertain conditions “the diplomatic staff of the Armenian Embassy in Damascus will temporarily continue its work from Beirut.” 

The ministry noted that ensuring the safety of personnel and maintaining consular services for Armenians in Syria were its priorities. Armenian political commentators and Syrian-Armenian social media users have voiced concern about how the new islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leadership, which is listed by the United States as a terrorist organization, will treat the country’s non-Muslim populations, including Christian Armenians. Officials in Yerevan have not yet issued any official comment on the HTS takeover in Damascus. 

The Armenian community in Syria, once concentrated in Aleppo, has endured severe hardships since the Syrian civil war began 13 years ago. The speed with which rebel forces ousted Assad, sending him into exile in Moscow, has exacerbated feelings of insecurity among Syrian-Armenians, with limited options for evacuation. Armenian officials acknowledged that complex security conditions hinder evacuation efforts. At least one Syrian-Armenian civilian was killed  during the rebels’ lightning march on Damascus, Armenian media has reported. 

Embassy officials have established a hotline to assist those in need and continue to explore evacuation options. Despite relocating its staff to Beirut, embassy personnel vow to remain operational, providing consular support. The Consul General of Armenia in Aleppo, who had previously moved to Damascus, is also involved in assisting the community.  

Armenian authorities pledged to help not only the Armenian citizens or those holding dual citizenship, but those with Armenian heritage who are willing to relocate. An initial evacuation flight had been scheduled for December 5 from Aleppo to Yerevan, but it had to be cancelled due to the uncertain security situation. No charter flights are being planned at the moment, the office of the High Commissioner for the Diaspora affairs has stated. 

RFE/RL reported that some ethnic Armenians who managed to make their way to Damascus from Aleppo are scheduled to fly to Yerevan on December 14. 

The number of Armenians in Syria has decreased drastically since the beginning of the Arab spring movement in 2011. Once a robust minority of between 80,000 to 100,000, estimates of ethnic Armenians in Syria now range from 15,000-35,000. 

About 15,000 Syrian-Armenians fled to Armenia during the first wave of emigration over a decade ago. Those remaining in Armenia have acquired Armenian citizenship with simplified procedures for naturalization and integration. The government runs a number of programs to promote the integration of Syrian-Armenians into society.