The well-known spokesperson of the Syrian Foreign Ministry, Jihad al-Makdissi, is reported to have fled the country on Monday, becoming the latest in a long line of defectors.
Makdissi worked in the foreign ministry for over 10 years, and spoke eloquantly in English, making him a prominent public face within the regime.
Speaking to Reuters, a diplomatic source said: "He defected. All I can say is that he is out of Syria." He is believed to have escaped for Beirut, and heading to London.
According to Lebanon's al-Mannar TV, the Assad regime's sources stated that Makdissi was sacked for making statements that did not reflect the regime's line.