Dark Mode
Tuesday, 08 April 2025
Logo
International Concerns Over More Chemical Weapons Sites in Syria
الأسلحة الكيميائية

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has confirmed the existence of more than 100 chemical weapons sites that remain operational in Syria, marking the first estimate of its kind since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. These sites are alleged to serve as locations for research, production, and storage of these weapons.

Assad has used sarin and chlorine gas in attacks against civilians and opposition forces throughout years of conflict. The number of sites and the level of security surrounding them pose significant challenges for the interim government led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.

Amid growing questions about the fate of these chemical materials, experts have expressed concerns about the potential access of extremist groups to them due to inadequate security measures. The Syrian foreign minister has expressed the government’s commitment to destroying any remnants of the chemical weapons program.

This situation arises as Syria continues to suffer from chaos, with recurrent acts of violence. The new government has also not appointed an ambassador to the OPCW, which is seen as a sign of a lack of seriousness in adhering to commitments.

 

It is noteworthy that the Syrian regime previously declared 27 chemical weapons facilities, while it continued to use these weapons until 2018. Current research by the organization, renewed among experts and its team, indicates a significant likelihood of undisclosed sites that require careful disclosure and securing, posing a threat to international security.

Nevertheless, some observers exhibit cautious optimism regarding the government’s intentions, especially after permitting a team from the organization to enter the country to document the current state of potential sites. However, previous experiences with the Syrian government raise questions regarding the credibility of national commitments to international obligations.

Caricature

BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...

ads

Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to get the new updates!