There may still be over 100 chemical weapons in Syria

There may still be over 100 chemical weapons in Syria, including with supplies of sarin, chlorine and mustard gas – warned the organization of chemical weapons (OPCW). According to the information provided in 2011 by the Bashar's regime, there were such places in the country 27.

The list of Syrian facilities related to chemical weapons includes places related to research, production and storage, and was based on external experts, non -governmental organizations and intelligence – emphasized the New York Times daily, which described OPCW data on Sunday.

According to this organization, some objects can be hidden in caves, which makes them difficult to find, e.g. using satellite photos. As he emphasizes, the American daily writes, this increases the risk that some of the stocks are not properly secured.

“NYT” reminded that chemical weapons, including Sarin and Chlorine, were used during the Al-Assad's rule against rebels, but also against Syrian civilians during the civil war lasting over a decade in Syria. It is known that this weapon was used at least until 2018 – at the beginning of that year the regime's forces were attacked by the Bastion of the opposition, the eastern gut near Damascus – and the government later imported substances necessary for its production.

Chemical weapons “are now an important test” for the new Syrian authorities, led by President Ahmed Al-Szara from Islamist grouping of Hajat Tahrir Ash-Szam (HTS). It took over power in Damascus on December 8, 2024 as a result of a rapid offensive. HTS, recognized by the US as a terrorist organization, claims that there are currently no connections with Al-Qaeda.

During the unanimous visit in March at the headquarters of the OPCW in the Hague Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Assad Hasan Al-Szibani stated that the government “would destroy all remains of the chemical weapon program developed by the Assad regime” and comply with international law.

As “NYT” noted, experts express cautious optimism about the honesty of the new authorities in Damascus. The Syrian side has declared that the OPCW team will be able to enter the country this year and start documentation of places related to the chemical weapon program – the newspaper said, citing sources similar to the case. (PAP)

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