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File photo shows the Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Farid Hijab, in Damascus, Syria, 30 November 2011. Photo by BGNES
Syrian Prime Minister Riad Hijab has defected from President Bashar al-Assad's government, to join "the revolution", his spokesman said, as cited by BBC.
The prime minister's dismissal was reported by Syrian state TV, which gave no immediate explanation.
Hijab was appointed less than two months ago and his departure is the highest-profile defection since the uprising began in March 2011.
His family is reported to have fled Syria with him.
His replacement, Omar Ghalawanji, will reportedly lead a caretaker government.
A Sunni Muslim, Riad Hijab comes from the Deir al-Zour area of eastern Syria which has been caught up in the revolt.
His spokesman Mohammed el-Etri told al-Jazeera TV that he was in a safe location.
Hijab is the first cabinet minister to defect. The BBC's Dale Gavlak in Jordan says the development underscores the cracks in the regime which are reaching beyond military ranks.
A month ago, Brig Gen Manaf Tlas, who was considered close to President Assad, also defected.
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