Syria destroys first chemical weapons stockpile since 2014 under UN verification
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Syria has begun destroying remnants of its former chemical weapons programme, with UN officials confirming the first verified destruction of chemical munitions since 2014. The operation, conducted with the OPCW, includes 42 aerial bombs and other materials linked to attacks under Bashar al-Assad. Syrian authorities are also preparing the first court hearings for suspects in the programme.
Key Facts
- The OPCW verified the destruction of 42 aerial bombs in Syria, the first such verification since 2014.
- Syrian authorities located remnants of the chemical weapons programme in May and later found one additional production facility and a newly discovered nerve agent precursor.
- Syria has taken 18 suspects into custody for alleged involvement in the chemical weapons programme, including high-level military, political and technical officials.
- Syrian UN envoy Ibrahim Olabi said repeated Israeli attacks have impeded some search-and-destruction operations and exposed Syrian teams to risk.
Destruction Verification
UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu told the Security Council that the OPCW verified the destruction of chemical munitions in Syria for the first time since 2014. The OPCW team verified the irreversible destruction of 42 aerial bombs as part of a mission deployed last month. Syria’s new leadership located remnants of the programme in May and subsequently declared two chemical weapons storage facilities. The destruction covers category-three chemical weapons, defined as unfilled munitions and other equipment used to release chemical weapons.
Legal Proceedings
Syrian authorities earlier this year took 18 suspects into custody for alleged involvement in al-Assad’s chemical weapons programme. The suspects include high-level military, political and technical officials. Syrian UN envoy Ibrahim Olabi said Syria is preparing to hold the first court hearing of people suspected of involvement in the chemical weapons programme.
Security Concerns
Olabi told the Security Council that repeated Israeli attacks have impeded some search-and-destruction operations. He said the attacks exposed Syrian teams at work to risk and breached conventions and treaties. Olabi stated that Syria cannot safeguard regional security if its own security is exposed to attacks by Israel.
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