Syria arrests nine former regime pilots in Latakia
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian internal security forces in Latakia, in cooperation with the Counterterrorism Branch, arrested nine former regime air force officers over alleged involvement in war crimes and violations against civilians.
The arrests followed surveillance operations, monitoring and investigations, according to the Internal Security Forces in Latakia.
Latakia Internal Security Commander Brig. Gen. Abdulaziz al-Ahmad said the operation resulted in the arrest of nine officers of different ranks: Brig. Gen. Manhal Anwar Saleh, Brig. Gen. Sami Ibrahim Mahmoud, Brig. Gen. Ghiyath Ali al-Rahiya, Colonels Issa Ezz al-Din Khodr, Marwan Salah Nafesh and Bashar Samir Wannous, Lt. Col. Aiham Hamza Alya, and Captains Aiham Ahmad Dawoud and Ammar Issa Junaydi.
Investigations showed that the detained officers allegedly used their positions and expertise in fixed-wing and helicopter aviation to carry out intensive airstrikes and bombardments in several Syrian governorates, resulting in large numbers of casualties and deaths.
The operations also allegedly caused extensive damage to cities and towns, displaced residents, and destroyed homes, infrastructure and civilian facilities, according to the investigations.
Al-Ahmad said the arrests are part of an ongoing strategy to pursue anyone found responsible for crimes committed against Syrians and refer them to the competent judiciary.
The operation is part of an ongoing security campaign targeting former regime personnel and officials. On Sept. 5, another pilot was arrested in Aleppo in cooperation with the Counterterrorism Administration. Investigations into his case are ongoing.