The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria said in a recent tweet it is forcing detained Syrian pilots to train militant fighters to fly stolen aircraft, CNN Arabic reported on Saturday.

In an account reportedly associated with the militant group, ISIS said in a tweet the pilots were abducted when the group gained control over the Tabqa military airbase in Raqqa Province.

ISIS seized the airbase earlier this month. The major airfield houses warplanes, helicopters, tanks and other artillery and ammunition, which were also confiscated by ISIS, according to several media reports.

ISIS did not provide any information about the nature of the training, according to CNN Arabic.

A U.N. investigation has found that ISIS forces are waging a campaign to instill fear, which includes amputations, public executions and whippings in their northern Syria stronghold.



Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:44 - GMT 06:44