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Manaf Tlas, powerful Syrian general, defects and flees to France: report

Brigadier general is thought to be the highest-ranking Syrian officer to defect so far.

Manaf Tlas, Syria's defected general, in Paris

Manaf Tlas with Bashar al-Assad in August 1999. The high-ranking officer has reportedly deserted from the Syrian army over President Assad's response to the country's uprising.

RAED QUTENA

AFP/Getty Images

Manaf tlas syrian defector 6 7 2012