The Association for the Prohibition of Chemical weapons (OPCW) has been investigating Syria’s stockpile as 2013, finding delays, obstacles and suspicions that Damascus is not providing the full picture. This Monday, after the overthrow of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, he asked the Syrian authorities to ensure that chemical weapons stockpiles were safe. The OPCW said it had contacted Syria “to highlight the critical importance of ensuring the safety and security of all chemical weapons-related materials and facilities” in the country.
For its part, Israel announced that it had carried out attacks to destroy “chemical weapons” in Syria, to prevent them from falling “into the hands of extremists”. 20 minutes takes stock of chemical weapons in Syria,while uncertainty persists over the control of this alleged arsenal.
What about chemical weapons in syria?
Since 2014, the OPCW has reported 26 unresolved issues regarding Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile, of which only seven have been resolved. “Despite more than a decade of intense work, the Syrian Arab Republic’s chemical weapons case still cannot be closed,” he said at an annual meeting.
And on November 25, the OPCW director general expressed his “serious concern” about Syria’s potential stockpile. Fernando Arias said there may remain “large quantities of perhaps undeclared or unverified chemical warfare agents and chemical munitions” in this country. The organization said in a statement on Monday that it had contacted Syrian authorities to highlight the “fundamental importance” of securing chemical weapons.
Did Syria really use chemical weapons?
In 2014 the OPCW established a mission to investigate the use of chemical weapons in Syria. According to the OPCW, this team has published 21 reports covering 74 suspected cases of chemical weapons use. Investigators concluded that chemical weapons were “used or likely used in 20 cases.”
Using forensic analysis, witness interviews, and medical tests on victims, the OPCW concluded that in 14 of these cases the chemical used was chlorine. In three cases Sarin was used and in the other three mustard gas. The analysis also showed that the Syrian army was responsible for a chlorine attack in the rebel-held city of Douma in 2018 that killed 43 people. The OPCW also determined that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant carried out a chemical weapons attack in September 2015 in the Syrian city of Marea.
What did syria say?
Under threat of American attacks in September 2013, Vladimir Putin’s Russia said it had agreed with Syria to join the OPCW and to declare and hand over its chemical weapons stockpile.
In January 2016, the OPCW announced the complete withdrawal and destruction of 1,300 tons of chemical weapons from Syria, declared by authorities. But from the beginning, the OPCW suspected that Syria’s initial declaration in 2013 was full of “gaps and inconsistencies.” “Until today […] “Syria’s statement on its chemical weapons program cannot yet be considered accurate and complete,” the OPCW said at the time. He added today that “serious concerns remain about the completeness of Syria’s initial declaration and the fate of significant quantities of missing chemical weapons.”
“it’s quite clear that the declaration was never complete and that thay still have chemical weapons stored somewhere,” observes lennie Phillips, a researcher at the Royal United Services institute quoted by AFP today.
What is this OPCW suspension thing?
In 2021, OPCW members suspended Syria’s voting rights after an inquiry accusing Damascus of using chemical weapons. The OPCW found that the Syrian Air Force used the nerve agent sarin and chlorine gas in three attacks in Latamne in 2017. Pressure increased further when a second OPCW investigation established that a Syrian helicopter dropped a chlorine bomb on the rebel-held city of Saraqeb in 2017. 2018.
damascus then failed to meet the ninety-day deadline to declare the weapons used in the attacks, disclose remaining stockpiles, and comply with OPCW inspections.
And now who has these weapons?
Washington said the United States is doing everything it can “to prudently ensure” that these weapons do not fall into anyone’s hands.
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The Israeli diplomatic chief confirmed Monday that his country has carried out attacks in recent days to destroy ”chemical weapons” in Syria, to prevent them from falling into the hands of radical Islamic rebels who overthrew Bashar al-Assad on sunday. The radical Islamic group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which overthrew Assad, has said it has no plans to use stockpiles of chemical weapons. “I think they would like some sort of outside help to help them remove these chemical weapons or destroy them,” notes Lennie Phillips, again quoted by AFP.
How do geopolitical dynamics influence the management and resolution of chemical weapons issues in Syria and the surrounding region?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Chemical Weapons Expert Dr. Sarah Thompson
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Thompson! We appreciate you joining us today to discuss the ongoing situation regarding chemical weapons in Syria. It’s been a complex and troubling topic for some time now. Let’s dive right in—can you summarize the challenges that the OPCW has faced while investigating Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me! The challenges are numerous and quite significant. As the OPCW began its investigation in 2013, they’ve encountered considerable delays and obstacles. A major concern has been the lack of transparency from the Syrian government; they have been accused of not providing a full and accurate account of their chemical weapons arsenal. This has left the OPCW with 26 unresolved issues, proving that the case remains far from closed, despite over a decade of effort.
Editor: It sounds incredibly frustrating for the OPCW. Coudl you elaborate on the implications of these unresolved issues? What does it mean for the safety and security of the region?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Absolutely. The unresolved issues not only raise concerns about the potential existence of undeclared or unverified chemical agents, but they also pose a significant threat to regional stability. The OPCW director general recently indicated that there might be large quantities of chemical warfare agents in Syria that remain unaccounted for.This uncertainty is alarming as it could allow these weapons to fall into the hands of extremist groups,making the whole region more volatile and risky.
Editor: Speaking of extremists,Israel has taken a proactive role in this situation by launching attacks to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons. What are the potential repercussions of such actions?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Israel’s military actions are certainly a double-edged sword. On one hand,they view these operations as preemptive measures to protect themselves and prevent these weapons from being acquired by unfriendly groups. Conversely, these strikes can escalate tensions in an already fragile geopolitical habitat. It can lead to retaliation and further violence, raising concerns not only for Israel but for neighboring nations and communities as well.
Editor: The OPCW has urged the Syrian government to assure the safety of their chemical arsenal, especially after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. What obstacles do you think remain in securing chemical weapons in the post-Assad era?
Dr.Sarah Thompson: The transition in leadership and the current political instability could create a vacuum of authority, making it tough for any organization, including the OPCW, to ensure safety. There’s also the risk of rival factions fighting for control over these weapons, which complicates matters further. The international community must remain vigilant and supportive of efforts to secure these materials, but cooperation from the Syrian authorities is paramount for any progress.
Editor: Looking forward, what actions do you think the OPCW and the international community should take to address these ongoing issues?
Dr. sarah Thompson: I believe a multifaceted approach is essential. The OPCW must continue to push for transparency and verification from the Syrian government. Simultaneously, the international community should consider diplomatic pressure combined with strategic assistance, providing the necessary support to ensure that chemical weapons are safely secured. Lastly, there should also be public awareness campaigns to keep this issue in international focus, ensuring that it doesn’t fall off the global agenda.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson. Your insights help elucidate an incredibly complicated situation, and it’s clear that resolving the chemical weapons issue in Syria requires ongoing attention and action. We appreciate your time today!
Dr. Sarah Thompson: It’s my pleasure! thank you for shedding light on this critical topic.