Syria's prime minister defected Monday, becoming the latest among high-profile politicians and leaders to leave the embattled regime of Bashar al-Assad. "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. I announce that I am from today a soldier in this blessed revolution," Riyad Hijab said in a written statement read by a Syrian opposition official on Al Jazeera. CNN Inside Syria Analysts described Hijab's departure as a significant symbolic blow for al-Assad's government but noted that the former prime minister had been on the job for only a few months.
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Opposition reports at least 161 deaths in fighting across the country Monday
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"The flight of some personalities" won't affect Syria, state news agency says
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Analysts say Riyad Hijab's departure is a symbolic blow for Syria's government
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An official says Hijab will head to Qatar "sometime soon"
Bashar al-Assad
al-Assad
"In short, this isn't going to bring a lot of insight into what @placeholder is thinking or doing.
Syrian
Opposition leaders said Hijab had defected, while @placeholder state television said al-Assad dismissed Hijab from his post Monday.
Riyad Hijab
Hijab
Riyad Hijab
Hijab
Government officials announced @placeholder's sacking after officials discovered he had left Syria, el-Etri said.
Syria
Inside Syria
Syria
Syria
Government officials announced Hijab's sacking after officials discovered he had left @placeholder, el-Etri said.