SNC: Syria’s ex DM Habib coordinated his defection with US

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ali habib general, defectedFormer Syrian Defense Minister General Ali Habib, a prominent member of President Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite sect, has defected and is now in Turkey, a senior member of the opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) told Reuters on Wednesday.

If his defection is confirmed, Habib would be the highest ranking figure from the Alawite minority to break with Assad since the uprising against him began in 2011.

It comes at a time when forces loyal to Assad have made progress against the rebels on the battlefield but face the possibility of a U.S. military strike in response to a chemical weapons attack in Damascus for which Washington blames the Syrian leader.

“Ali Habib has managed to escape from the grip of the regime and he is now in Turkey, but this does not mean that he has joined the opposition. I was told this by a Western diplomatic official,” Kamal al-Labwani said from Paris.

Syrian state television denied Habib had left Syria and said he was still at his home. Turkey’s foreign minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, said he could not at the moment confirm Habib had defected.

A Gulf source told Reuters that Habib had defected on Tuesday evening, arriving at the Turkish frontier before midnight with two or three other people. He was then taken across the border in a convoy of vehicles.

His companions were fellow military officers who supported his defection, the source said. They were believed to have also left Syria but there was no immediate confirmation of that.

Labwani said Habib was smuggled out of Syria with the help of a Western country.

“He will be a top source of information. Habib has had a long military career. He has been effectively under house arrest since he defied Assad and opposed killing protesters,” Labwani said.

COORDINATED WITH U.S.

An officer in the opposition Free Syrian Army, who did not want to be identified, said the Habib appeared to have coordinated his defection with the United States.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad (C) attends a dinner in honor of the army officers on the 65th Army Foundation anniversary in Damascus August 1, 2010. On left is Syrian Defense Minister General Ali Habib and on right, Chief of Staff General Dawoud Rajha. REUTERS/Sana
Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad (C) attends a dinner in honor of the army officers on the 65th Army Foundation anniversary in Damascus August 1, 2010. On left is Syrian Defense Minister General Ali Habib and on right, Chief of Staff General Dawoud Rajha.  Rajha was killed last year in a bomb attack and Habib defected to Turkey REUTERS/Sana

Former military officers who have defected from Assad’s army say it had about 36,000 officers, of which 28,000 are Alawites. The remaining 8,000 are a mix of Sunni Muslims, the majority community in Syria, and members of minorities such as Christians and Druze, they said.

Born in 1939, Habib was Defence Minister from 2009 to August 2011, when he was replaced for what official media said were health reasons. The Gulf source Habib had spent some time under house arrest.

After rumors that he was dismissed for opposing the killing of peaceful pro-democracy protesters, Habib was shown on state television pledging his loyalty to the Assad government. Western diplomats said the statement appeared to have been made under duress.

Habib participated in the 1973 October War against Israel, in which Syria failed to recapture the occupied Golan Heights, and in the 1990-91 Gulf War, when Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s father and predecessor as president, symbolically joined a U.S.-led coalition that ousted Iraq occupation troops from Kuwait.

“Habib is a simple and honest. Unlike the Assads he is not corrupt,” said another military defector who served under Habib.

When he was chief of staff he did not like the Assad family’s readiness to use violence as a political tool and when demonstrators started being killed he could no longer remain a “yes man”, the defector said.

“His defection will rattle the Alawite community because it will be seen as another man jumping off a sinking boat, indicating the coming fall of the regime,” the defector told Reuters

Reuters

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56 responses to “SNC: Syria’s ex DM Habib coordinated his defection with US”

  1. A very very late defection. I suppose it’s better late than never. A lot of questions need to be asked

    1. The Alawis are being told by Assad, support me and live or face a massacre and die at the hands of takfiris.

      1. lebanesesam Avatar
        lebanesesam

        True, but many soldiers were able to defect without much planning, I can’t seem to swallow this defection now – Like Btru2u said, a lot of questions. I’m assuming someone with his position and connection would’ve been able to defect early on, but who knows, we are not there physically to know

      2. haririAlHirrrban Avatar
        haririAlHirrrban

        if hariri’s annusra takes over, you do not need to be einstein to realise that not just the alawis but all other non sunna will be massacred; even 5thdrawer realised this!!!

    2. haririAlHirrrban Avatar
      haririAlHirrrban

      no! you are certainly joking!!!

    3. Largest Battalion Splits from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria “Caucasus Brigade” splits from Islamic State of Iraq & Syria for its extremism. Al qaeda are scum of the earth they will be wiped out after the Iranian regimein Damascus in destroyed and its shia gangs many of these al qaeda leaders are really Assad airforce intelligence. As you know that the Assad regime used to sponsor this group in Iraq. The video shows a battalion leader speaking of reasons why they have decided to detach themselves from the Islamic state of Iraq and Syria and that they will have no affiliation with none of the other groups such as Jabhet al Nusra etc…You may watch the video from the following Youtube Link

      /watch?v=IXcFcF0BStg

      1. Akhi we must remember that Angels are recording all our writings and actions . We must be careful not to criticise the people who are working towards Allah’s cause. If we are not sure , we should remain silent. It is prophesised s that the khilafah rashida will be established. So we cannot critisise anyone working towards that goal without firm knowledge. We have to ask ourselves , are we helping Allah’s cause , or hindering it. Food for though brother,……………..
        Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them – out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah, then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account. (19) So if they argue with you, say, “I have submitted myself to Allah [in Islam], and [so have] those who follow me.” And say to those who were given the Scripture and [to] the unlearned, “Have you submitted yourselves?” And if they submit [in Islam], they are rightly guided; but if they turn away – then upon you is only the [duty of] notification. And Allah is Seeing of [His] servants. (20) Those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah and kill the prophets without right and kill those who order justice from among the people – give them tidings of a painful punishment. (21) They are the ones whose deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and for them there will be no helpers. (22) – Al-i-Imran – Qur’an

        1. Tell me about 911 and London 7/7 bombing act. Regardless of who did it or whether it was possible for anyone to pull such high tech operation from a cave,since Al-Qaedas Aiman Al-Zawaheri took responsibility and you seems support this group then please explain how do you justify those attacks. Please also explain how those Journalist beheading Market bombing are justified. Is it an act of Kufr or an act of piety ?

        2. From the above video where you see the “Caucasus Brigade” splits from Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Nusra then which group do you criticize in this case? Please explain?
          Do you believe of the existence of Dajjal (The anti Christ) ?

        3. “Those who have caused schism (splitting or division) in their religion and they have become Shia (sects or groups), you (Prophet Mohammad) are not one of them in any way. Their case (for judgment & punishment) is up to Allah. Then, He (Allah) will tell (confront) them about what they used to do.” (Quran6:159)

          NOW from the above verse we learn that Allah said that our prophet is not one of those who create division . Now should we follow those Sufi Taqyuddin Al-Nabahani, and Sayeed Qutub for their deviant theory?

          1. While it may be true that Muslims are divided into several sects, often at odds with each other, a closer scrutiny reveals that there is no disagreement on the fundamental pillars of Islam, among the vast majority of Muslims.

            3. Single Identity

            The Glorious Qur’an and Prophet (peace be upon him) refers to the followers of Islam as Muslims.

            “Who is better in speech Than one who calls (men) To Allah, works righteousness, And says, ‘I am of those Who bow in Islam (Muslim)?’ “

            [Al-Qur’an 41:33]

            A Muslim is ‘one who submits’. In that sense, earlier prophets and their true followers were also Muslims.

            4. Ethics of Disagreement in Islam

            The ethics of disagreement are very much a part of the Islamic tradition. Muslims have traditionally accepted the existence of a plurality of opinions on various aspects of their religion. While one may hold a certain opinion to be more authoritative as compared to others, there is nothing in the Islamic sources that encourages a Muslim to disparage the views of others.

            It was this acceptance of diversity that was a distinguishing feature of the great Islamic civilization. Muslims now need to revive the ethics of disagreement which was in the past, a hallmark of Islamic thought.

          2. “Those who have caused schism (splitting or division) in their religion and they have become Shia (sects or groups), you (Prophet Mohammad) are not one of them in any way. Their case (for judgment & punishment) is up to Allah. Then, He (Allah) will tell (confront) them about what they used to do.” (Quran6:159)

            The above verse made clear that those who divided and become sect or groups are on their own.Allah is telling to the prophet that ” you (Prophet Mohammad) are not one of them in any way” Now if you like to follow the Sufia such as Taqyuddin Al Nabahani or Sayeed Qutub thats your choice. The sunnis must follow the commandments of Allah which is clearly manifested in the Quran and in the Hadis.You do not expect others to follow these deviant cults nor do you have any right to impose your thoughts on others. Your Sharia and Khelafa theory is coming from the Sufis. Therefore many sunnis who are well aware of these conspiracy will certainly reject this group. Do you believe the existance of Dajjal (AntiChrist) ?

          3. Someone once told me that Schism and Shiism are not far apart.

  2. A very very late defection. I suppose it’s better late than never. A lot of questions need to be asked

    1. The Alawis are being told by Assad, support me and live or face a massacre and die at the hands of takfiris.

      1. lebanesesam Avatar
        lebanesesam

        True, but many soldiers were able to defect without much planning, I can’t seem to swallow this defection now – Like Btru2u said, a lot of questions. I’m assuming someone with his position and connection would’ve been able to defect early on, but who knows, we are not there physically to know

      2. haririAlHirrrban Avatar
        haririAlHirrrban

        if hariri’s annusra takes over, you do not need to be einstein to realise that not just the alawis but all other non sunna will be massacred; even 5thdrawer realised this!!!

    2. haririAlHirrrban Avatar
      haririAlHirrrban

      no! you are certainly joking!!!

    3. Largest Battalion Splits from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria “Caucasus Brigade” splits from Islamic State of Iraq & Syria for its extremism al qaeda are scum of the earth they will be wiped out after the Iranian regimein Damascus in destroyed and its shia gangs many of these al qaeda leaders are really Assad airforce intelligence. As you know that the Assad regime used to sponsor this group in Iraq. The video shows a battalion leader speaking of reasons why they have decided to detach themselves from the Islamic state of Iraq and Syria and that they will have no affiliation with none of the other groups such as Jabhet al Nusra etc…You may watch the video from the following Youtube Link

      /watch?v=IXcFcF0BStg

      1. Akhi we must remember that Angels are recording all our writings and actions . We must be careful not to criticise the people who are working towards Allah’s cause. If we are not sure , we should remain silent. It is prophesised s that the khilafah rashida will be established. So we cannot critisise anyone working towards that goal without firm knowledge. We have to ask ourselves , are we helping Allah’s cause , or hindering it. Food for though brother,……………..
        Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them – out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah, then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account. (19) So if they argue with you, say, “I have submitted myself to Allah [in Islam], and [so have] those who follow me.” And say to those who were given the Scripture and [to] the unlearned, “Have you submitted yourselves?” And if they submit [in Islam], they are rightly guided; but if they turn away – then upon you is only the [duty of] notification. And Allah is Seeing of [His] servants. (20) Those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah and kill the prophets without right and kill those who order justice from among the people – give them tidings of a painful punishment. (21) They are the ones whose deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and for them there will be no helpers. (22) – Al-i-Imran – Qur’an

        1. Tell me about 911 and London 7/7 bombing act. Regardless who did it ,since Al-Qaedas Aiman Al-Zawaheri took responsibility and you seems support this group then please explain how do you justify those attacks. Please also explain how those Journalist beheading Market bombing are justified.

        2. From the above video where you see the “Caucasus Brigade” splits from Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Nusra then which do you criticize in this case? Please explain?
          Do you believe of the existence of Dajjal (The anti Christ) ?

        3. “Those who have caused schism (splitting or division) in their religion and they have become Shia (sects or groups), you (Prophet Mohammad) are not one of them in any way. Their case (for judgment & punishment) is up to Allah. Then, He (Allah) will tell (confront) them about what they used to do.” (Quran6:159)

          NOW from the above verse we learn that Allah said that our prophet is not one of those who create division . Now should we follow those Sufi Taqyuddin Al-Nabahani, and Sayeed Qutub for their deviant theory?

          1. While it may be true that Muslims are divided into several sects, often at odds with each other, a closer scrutiny reveals that there is no disagreement on the fundamental pillars of Islam, among the vast majority of Muslims.

            3. Single Identity

            The Glorious Qur’an and Prophet (peace be upon him) refers to the followers of Islam as Muslims.

            “Who is better in speech Than one who calls (men) To Allah, works righteousness, And says, ‘I am of those Who bow in Islam (Muslim)?’ “

            [Al-Qur’an 41:33]

            A Muslim is ‘one who submits’. In that sense, earlier prophets and their true followers were also Muslims.

            4. Ethics of Disagreement in Islam

            The ethics of disagreement are very much a part of the Islamic tradition. Muslims have traditionally accepted the existence of a plurality of opinions on various aspects of their religion. While one may hold a certain opinion to be more authoritative as compared to others, there is nothing in the Islamic sources that encourages a Muslim to disparage the views of others.

            It was this acceptance of diversity that was a distinguishing feature of the great Islamic civilization. Muslims now need to revive the ethics of disagreement which was in the past, a hallmark of Islamic thought.

          2. “Those who have caused schism (splitting or division) in their religion and they have become Shia (sects or groups), you (Prophet Mohammad) are not one of them in any way. Their case (for judgment & punishment) is up to Allah. Then, He (Allah) will tell (confront) them about what they used to do.” (Quran6:159)

            The above verse says made clear that those who divided and become sect or groups are on their own. Now if you like to follow the Sufia such as Taqyuddin Al Nabahani or Sayeed Qutub thats your choice. Do you believe the existance of Dajjal (AntiChrist) ?

          3. Someone once told me that Schism and Shiism are not far apart.

  3. The Russians are planning to offer him as a friendly substitute for Assad in order to keep some Alawi member ruling and for Russia to save face if it is convinced that Assad used chemical weapons and decides to support some alternative to Assad. It appears that this is Russia’s favorite opposition figure.

    1. haririAlHirrrban Avatar
      haririAlHirrrban

      buddy, russia is an american satellite, obeying faithfully the wishes of washingtonDC

      1. What’s also funny is everyone hates America but they all want to live there funny shit lol..

        1. Everyone wants to have money and to be free to do their own things. That’s what it’s all about. However, someone always pays the price for someone else’s gain, like the Native Americans or the Aborigines or the Berbers or the Kurds or the Palestinians, etc. have so that someone else does.

  4. The Russians are planning to offer him as a friendly substitute for Assad in order to keep some Alawi member ruling and for Russia to save face if it is convinced that Assad used chemical weapons and decides to support some alternative to Assad. It appears that this is Russia’s favorite opposition figure.

    1. haririAlHirrrban Avatar
      haririAlHirrrban

      buddy, russia is an american satellite, obeying faithfully the wishes of washingtonDC

      1. What’s also funny is everyone hates America but they all want to live there funny shit lol..

        1. Everyone wants to have money and to be free to do their own things. That’s what it’s all about. However, someone always pays the price for someone else’s gain, like the Native Americans or the Aborigines or the Berbers or the Kurds or the Palestinians, etc. have so that someone else does.

        2. Everyone wants to have money and to be free to do their own things. That’s what it’s all about. However, someone always pays the price for someone else’s gain, like the Native Americans or the Aborigines or the Berbers or the Kurds or the Palestinians, etc. have so that someone else does.

  5. Reasonableman Avatar
    Reasonableman

    These latest defections are due to the fact the iranian regime stabbed the alawi community in the back, they are the ones who ordered the chemical weapons to be used hezblshayton carried it out but the alawis will pay the price. (Hence the 4 hezblshayton members that suffered chemical weapon reaction and a few syrian army personnel)
    The iranian regime don’t even like alawis in reality the shia call alawis sufyaniya and will dispose asshead whilst using him to fight their war.

    1. haririAlHirrrban Avatar
      haririAlHirrrban

      wishful thinking; havent you understood yet that they are all american agents using usa made sarin!!!!i hold the proof that sarin used in syria was made in washington

      1. Reasonableman Avatar
        Reasonableman

        Please share this evidence, everyone who claims to have proof end up with hearsay or no evidence at all, i find it pretty stupid for anybody to put’ made in *country*’ on a chemical weapon.

    2. I agree Reasonable man, Hezbeshayton were themselves affected by the gas they used, and were getting treated in Beiruit hospitals. These munaafiqs cannot be trusted . I wonder if Assad is thinking about defecting now, and blame it on IRAN.

      1. Reasonableman Avatar
        Reasonableman

        Sallam 3allaykom akhi i wouldnt hold my breath lol

    3. Please explain why the shias call the Alawites as Sufyanya. What ever you know regarding this matter please share it with me.

      1. Reasonableman Avatar
        Reasonableman

        Shia who are against assad but pro iran have told me themself and there was a video i watched about a month back an interview with a captured iranian soldier who says they are using assad and will dump that sufyani and that they are building a 20km trench to fill up with explosives and blow it up and thats how their version of mehdi.
        I wanted to research but havnt had the stomache to do it but both stories seem to be corroberated.

        1. Some Syrian Alawis and secular Syrians have been show in TV/Video interviews to have uttered blasphemies against God, the Prophet and Islam while praising Assad and his weapons. Many Sunnis have taken offense from this, but the Shias have remained silent about these things for the sake of maintaining the resistance alliance with Assad. It looks like this (Assad & co.) may cost them their lives and their souls.

      2. Reasonableman Avatar
        Reasonableman

        Yalibnan wont approve my post i will send you an email akhi.

  6. Reasonableman Avatar
    Reasonableman

    These latest defections are due to the fact the iranian regime stabbed the alawi community in the back, they are the ones who ordered the chemical weapons to be used hezblshayton carried it out but the alawis will pay the price. (Hence the 4 hezblshayton members that suffered chemical weapon reaction and a few syrian army personnel)
    The iranian regime don’t even like alawis in reality the shia call alawis sufyaniya and will dispose asshead whilst using him to fight their war.

    1. haririAlHirrrban Avatar
      haririAlHirrrban

      wishful thinking; havent you understood yet that they are all american agents using usa made sarin!!!!i hold the proof that sarin used in syria was made in washington

      1. Reasonableman Avatar
        Reasonableman

        Please share this proof everyone who claims to have proof end up with hearsay or no evidence at all, i find it pretty stupid for anybody to made in *country* on a chemical weapon.

    2. I agree Reasonable man, Hezbeshayton were themselves affected by the gas they used, and were getting treated in Beiruit hospitals. These munaafiqs cannot be trusted . I wonder if Assad is thinking about defecting now, and blame it on IRAN.

      1. Reasonableman Avatar
        Reasonableman

        Sallam 3allaykom akhi i wouldnt hold my breath lol

    3. Please explain why the shias call the Alawites as Sufyanya. What ever you know regarding this matter please share it with me.

      1. Reasonableman Avatar
        Reasonableman

        Shia who are against assad but pro iran have told me themself and there was a video i watched about a month back an interview with a captured iranian soldier who says they are using assad and will dump that sufyani and that they are building a 20km trench to fill up with explosives and blow it up and thats how their version of mehdi.
        I wanted to research but havnt had the stomache to do it but both stories seem to be corroberated.

        1. Some Syrian Alawis and secular Syrians have been show in TV/Video interviews to have uttered blasphemies against God, the Prophet and Islam while praising Assad and his weapons. Many Sunnis have taken offense from this, but the Shias have remained silent about these things for the sake of maintaining the resistance alliance with Assad. It looks like this (Assad & co.) may cost them their lives and their souls.

        2. Some Syrian Alawis and secular Syrians have been show in TV/Video interviews to have uttered blasphemies against God, the Prophet and Islam while praising Assad and his weapons. Many Sunnis have taken offense from this, but the Shias have remained silent about these things for the sake of maintaining the resistance alliance with Assad. It looks like this (Assad & co.) may cost them their lives and their souls.

      2. Reasonableman Avatar
        Reasonableman

        Yalibnan wont approve my post i will send you an email akhi.

  7. haririAlHirrrban Avatar
    haririAlHirrrban

    seems he did not defect; bad luck; try again please

  8. haririAlHirrrban Avatar
    haririAlHirrrban

    seems he did not defect; bad luck; try again please

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