BEIRUT — Well-known Syrian opposition leader Michel Kilo, who was living in exile, has died in France from coronavirus, according to media reports on Monday.

Kilo, who turned 80 last year, hailed from the Syrian coastal city of Latakia.

He was a key player in efforts to form a credible non-violent alternative to Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's regime during the early stages of the conflict which spiraled after a ruthless crackdown on mass protests.

Before his exile, Kilo had tried to operate within the confines of Syria's political system, monopolized by the Baath Party for decades.

"A great loss. Professor Michel Kilo departed us today after he was infected with Covid-19," senior opposition figure Nasr Hariri wrote in a statement. — Agencies