Crime & Justice
CROSS-SPECTRUM
Nine Former Syrian Pilot Officers Detained Over Alleged War Crimes
Syria's Internal Security forces have taken into custody nine ex-military pilots accused of committing war crimes that caused civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
The arrests were carried out in Lattaika province after extensive surveillance and intelligence work, according to Internal Security Commander Brigadier General Abdulaziz al-Ahmad. Among those detained are Generals Menhel Anwar Saleh, Sami Ibrahim Mahmoud and Ghayath Ali Rehyé. Authorities claim the pilots' actions led to numerous deaths, displaced residents and destroyed homes and public facilities.
Why it matters
The detentions signal a rare move by Syrian authorities to hold former military officials accountable for civilian harm.
In this story
former pilotswar crimescivilian casualtiesdisplacementinfrastructure damageSyriaLattaikasecurity operation
