Rebels capture Syrian helicopter crew near Idlib

Members of the armed Syrian opposition have captured the crew of a helicopter belonging to regime forces after it crashed near the town of Barrah in Jabal Al-Zawiya region, south of Idlib, it has been reported by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. Activists published photographs of a rebel shooting at one of the crewmen. The crew members were dressed in Syrian Air Force uniform and are covered in blood in the photographs.

The helicopter is believed to have flown from Humaimam Airport in Latakia and was heading towards the countryside around Idlib when it was forced to land due to a technical malfunction. According to local activist Amin Quntar, it had six barrel bombs on board. The pilot, named as Colonel Abdul Razak Abboud, was among those captured.

The area where the helicopter landed is under the control of Al-Qaeda Nusra Front, Al-Sham Hawks and Free-Sham. Al-Araby Al-Jadeed has been unable to identify which faction captured the crew.