Syrian authorities have arrested nine former pilots accused of involvement in war crimes against the Syrian people.

Axar.az reports, citing SANA, the province’s Internal Security Commander Brig. Gen. Abdulaziz 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.