The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group is now possessing at least three warplanes and a few military helicopters, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) announced Friday.
"Reliable resource reported to SOHR that ISIL organization has become owning 3 warplanes that can fly and maneuver. These warplanes are expected to be Mig 21 and 23," the SOHR, which monitors the conflict Syria, said in a press release.
"Officers from the Iraqi dissolved army, who are also members in the Islamic State Organization, have overseen the training of some militants in order to be able to lead these aircrafts." The SOHR noted that the training courses are given in the airbase of al Jarrah known by Kshish airbase too in Syria.
"This airbase located in the eastern countryside of Aleppo and considered the most important camp for ISIL in Syria," it said.
It pointed out that the people who live in the nearby areas of the airbase of al Jarrah informed SOHR activists that they saw a warplane taking off from al Jarrah airbase and flying at a low altitude over the area.
"It is worth mentioning that it is not the first time that the people witness an aircraft flying at a low altitude after taking off from al Jarrah airbase." According to the statement, the local resources informed SOHR activists that ISIL fighters seized these aircrafts after taking control over the military airports affiliated to the regime forces in Aleppo and al Raqqa provinces.
"The resources have not confirmed whether ISIL owns missiles for this aircrafts or not."