Syrian Consul in Dubai announces defection; Damascus denies claims
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Consul General in Dubai, Ziad Zahr al-Din, announced on Sunday that he has defected from the Syrian government, prompting a swift rebuttal from Damascus.
In a video statement, Zahr al-Din said his decision “came in protest against the campaign of mass killings carried out by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces in cooperation with Bedouin tribes, under the direct supervision of the highest leadership in Damascus,” according to his description.
He declared his support for calls to establish an autonomous entity for the Druze community, expressing solidarity with the spiritual leadership of the sect, headed by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded directly, stating that Zahr al-Din “was transferred to the central administration in Damascus by Decision No. 209, dated 20/09/2025, and consequently, his duties at the consulate officially ended on the date of the decision.”
The ministry added that “his recent statements and positions do not represent the Syrian state or its official policies, and reflect a purely personal stance that contradicts diplomatic norms and consular ethics.”
The ministry confirmed that the Syrian Consulate in Dubai continues to operate normally, providing consular services to Syrian citizens under the direct supervision of the Foreign Ministry in Damascus.