Syria ex-PM Alleges Assad Loses Grip on Country

Syrian President Assad pictured waving to supporters earlier this year. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Renegade former Syrian PM Riyad Hijab has stated Tuesday that embattled Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad is controlling less than a third of Syria's territory

"The regime controls only 30% of Syria's territory. The army is in collapse - both economic and moral," said Hijab at a press conference in Amman, Jordan.

Last week it was reported that Riyad Hijab, who until very recently was Syria's PM had defected from the regime and joined the opposition forces.

Meanwhile, new heavy fighting is reported to have erupted in Syria's largest city Aleppo Tuesday.