Lattakia, Sept. 10 (SANA) Internal Security forces in Lattakia province, in coordination with the Counterterrorism Branch, have arrested nine former military pilots accused of involvement in war crimes against the Syrian people, the province’s Internal Security Commander Brig. Gen. Abdulaziz al-Ahmad said Thursday.
Al-Ahmad said the arrests followed extensive surveillance, intelligence-gathering and investigations, as well as a series of carefully planned security operations across the province.
According to al-Ahmad, the nine pilots arrested participated in numerous crimes and violations against Syrians in several provinces, exploiting their military positions and experience in operating fixed-wing combat aircraft and military helicopters.
He said the operations in which they allegedly participated included airstrikes and attacks that killed and wounded large numbers of civilians, caused extensive damage to cities and towns, displaced residents, and destroyed homes, civilian facilities and infrastructure.
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