Defections

Iran Confirms Defection of Journalist Who Covered Nuclear Talks

Iran confirms that Amir Hossein Mottaghi, a close associate of Rouhani, defected while covering nuclear negotiations in Switzerland.

Rouhani Aide Defects While Covering Iran Nuclear Talks

Close media aide to Iran’s President seeking political asylum in Switzerland after travelling there to cover nuclear talks.

Over 70 Syrian Officers Defect to Turkey

As many as 73 Syrian military officers defected from the Syrian army and have crossed the border into Turkey with their families.

Syrian Army's Logistics Chief Defects

The Syrian army's logistics chief, General Mohammed Khalluf, has defected, activists claim.

20 Syrian Troops Defect to Turkey

A group of some 20 Syrian soldiers, including a general, have defected from the army and fled to Turkey.

Report: Defected Syrian Helping U.S. Intelligence

The Syrian government's former spokesman, Jihad Makdissi, is co-operating with U.S. intelligence officials, the British Guardian reports.

Assad Forces Torch Former FM Spokesman's Damascus Home

Loyalist forces have torched the home of former Syrian Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad al-Makdissi, who has fled the country.

Key Syrian Defector Hints that France Helped Him

Key Syrian defector General Manaf Tlas hints that French secret agents helped him flee Syria, won't explain how.

Syrian Air Force Intel Chief Assassinated

The head of Syria's Air Force intelligence has been assassinated by an aide, Arab media sources report.

Former Syrian MP Flees to Jordan

A former Syrian MP, Nasser Al Hariri from Daraa, has fled to Jordan along with large numbers of Syrian officers.

Cousin of Syrian Vice President Defects

Colonel Yarab al-Shara, a cousin of Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Shara, announces defection from Assad’s regime.

White House: Assad's Government is Crumbling

White House says the defection of Syria's prime minister shows that the Syrian government is “crumbling from within”.

Syrian Intelligence Officer Defects as Fighting Intensifies

Senior Syrian officer reported to have defected. He was head of an intelligence organization responsible for monitoring dissent.

Defected Syrian General: Denounce Assad's Crimes

Defected Syrian brigadier general Manaf Tlas calls on the Syrian military to denounce the crimes committed by Assad's forces.

Defecting Syrian General Confirmed to be in France

General Manaf Tlas, who defected from Assad's regime this month, is confirmed by President Hollande to be in France.

Syrian Intelligence Chief Defects to Rebel Forces

The head of Syrian intelligence has allegedly left the country and defected. His whereabouts are unknown.

Defecting Syrian Diplomat: Only Force Can Bring Down Assad

Nawaf Fares, Syria's ambassador to Iraq who defected: There is no way Assad can be pushed from power without force.

Syria's Ambassador to Iraq Defects

Syria's ambassador to Iraq, Nawaf Fares, has defected from the regime of embattled President Bashar al-Assad.

U.S. Welcomes Defection of Top Syrian General

U.S. says the defection of a top general from the Syrian regime is “significant”, but notes that Assad still “has loyalists around.”

Top Syrian General Defects to Turkey

Manaf Tlass, a Syrian general who was a leading member of Assad's inner circle, has defected to Turkey.

15th General Defects from Syria to Turkey

A Syrian general and a number of soldiers among 66 Syrians who flee into Turkey in one day.

Report: 85 Syrian Soldiers Defect to Turkey

Nearly 300 Syrians have defected to Turkey, including 85 soldiers, Turkey's state-run news agency reports.

Dozens of Syrian Army Officers, 3 More Syrian Pilots Defect

Dozens of Syrian Army officers have defected to the opposition forces and taken their weapons with them.