Syrian premier defects to rebels

by admin
Aug 5, 2012

Syrian Prime Minister Riad Hijab has defected from President Bashar al-Assad's government, the BBC reports. He had been appointed two months ago.

"I announce today my defection from the killing and terrorist regime and I announce that I have joined the ranks of the freedom and dignity revolution," ran the statement read by his spokesman.

Meanwhile, Brig Gen Manaf Tlas, who was considered close to President Assad, also defected in July.

Thirty other generals have crossed the border into Turkey, the BBC reports, also citing Turkish news agency Anatolia sating on Monday that another general had fled with five high-ranking officers.

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