Syria's envoy to Cyprus Lamia al-Hariri has defected and is now in Qatar, Reuters reported citing a senior member of the opposition Syrian National Council (SNC).

"Yes, she has defected and is in Doha," SNC member Wael Merza said, while in Cyprus, government officials said they had no information on whether Hariri had defected.

"All we are aware of is that she is not in Cyprus," an official said.

Separately, according to Reuters, two sources in the Syrian opposition movement said Hariri had left the diplomatic mission in Nicosia on Tuesday, July 24, telling staff she was feeling unwell and was going to a doctor.