In a groundbreaking trial in Stockholm, a former Syrian brigadier general is facing charges for complicity in war crimes during the Syrian civil war, marking him as the highest-ranking military officer to be tried in a European court for such offenses.

The trial, which began on Monday, addresses the regime's military operations in 2012, including indiscriminate attacks on the cities of Homs and Hama, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

This marks the first time in Europe that the Syrian army's warfare tactics are being legally scrutinized as war crimes.

The 65-year-old defendant, who defected from the army in 2012 and sought asylum in Sweden in 2015, denies involvement.

The case is supported by witness testimonies and documents from the Syrian government, with the main hearing scheduled to continue until May 22.