DAMASCUS: China on Thursday urged its citizens in Syria to return home following the intensifying fighting and deteriorating security situation in the Middle Eastern country. Chinese Embassy in Damascus, in a statement, said while commercial flights are still operating, it recommends that Chinese citizens in Syria return home or leave the country "as soon as possible." According to Anadolu Agency, the statement highlighted that the fighting in northwest Syria is intensifying, leading to a further deterioration of the security situation. The embassy advised that those meeting certain conditions could also use relevant land ports to exit the country, prioritizing their safety and mitigating risks. In recent developments, anti-regime armed groups in Syria have successfully captured Hama city. They seized the city center, thereby solidifying their control and compelling regime forces to concede the city. This marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict, underscoring the severity of the situation. On Nove mber 30, these groups achieved a rapid advance from the western countryside, capturing much of central Aleppo. Additionally, they seized the town of Khan Shaykhun, which has brought them close to achieving near-total control of Idlib province. Adding to the complexity, the opposition Syrian National Army launched Operation Dawn of Freedom against the PKK/YPG terrorist group on December 1, successfully liberating the town of Tel Rifaat. These maneuvers indicate a dynamic and volatile conflict landscape, heightening concerns for foreign nationals in the region.