ASSESSMENTS

Syria's Former Defense Minister Found Dead

Aug 9, 2011 | 14:36 GMT

JOSEPH EID/AFP/Getty Images

Summary

Update from original publication: Former Syrian Defense Minister Gen. Ali Habib on Aug. 9 denied reports about why he stepped down from his post, including reports that he had died, SANA reported. He said in a broadcast statement that his health prevented his continuing to work, and that he received treatment in a hospital for several days.

Former Syrian Defense Minister Gen. Ali Habib was found dead in his home Aug. 9, a day after Syrian President Bashar al Assad replaced Habib in a reshuffle under the pretext of health concerns. There are a number of reasons to suspect that Habib may have been assassinated as the Alawite-Baathist regime comes under greater strain.

Update to original publication: Former Syrian Defense Minister Gen. Ali Habib on Aug. 9 denied reports about why he stepped down from his post, including reports that he had died, SANA reported. He said in a broadcast statement that his health prevented his continuing to work, and that he received treatment in a hospital for several days. ...

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