Syria's deputy oil minister resigns

Damascus, Mar.8 (ANI): Syria's Deputy Oil Minister Abdo Hussameddin has announced his resignation, saying he is joining the anti-government revolt.

According to the BBC, Hussameddin is the senior most civilian official to abandon President Bashar al-Assad since the uprising in Syria erupted a year ago.

His announcement comes after the UN humanitarian chief said parts of Homs had een "devastated", following a visit to the city bombed by Syria's government troops.

Hussameddin posted a video of his resignation on YouTube late on Wednesday.

"I, Abdo Hussameddin, deputy oil and mineral wealth minister in Syria, announce my defection from the regime, resignation from my position and withdrawal from the Baath Party. I am joining the revolution of the people who reject injustice and the brutal campaign of the regime," he added.

Hussameddin, 58, has been deputy minister since August 2009. (ANI)