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3w ago

Syria Recovers Undeclared Assad‑Era Chemical Munitions and Detains 18 Suspects

OPCW-confirmed recoveries of rockets, aerial bombs and sarin precursors raise urgent questions about undeclared stockpiles and extend international inspection and criminal probes.

A damaged portrait of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at a military base in Damascus, Syria, December 15, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
A scientific research centre in Damascus bombed by the US after a suspected chemical attack by the Assad regime in 2018. EPA
Image
Chemical weapons disposal [file]

Overview

  • Syrian transitional authorities working with OPCW inspectors said they recovered more than 70 rockets and aerial bombs plus raw ingredients and equipment linked to sarin production, a disclosure made public on Tuesday.
  • The OPCW reported visits to several high‑priority undeclared sites in northern coastal and central areas where inspectors found dozens of munitions and related chemicals and gear.
  • Authorities have detained 18 people alleged to have run or supported the Assad‑era chemical weapons network, including senior military and technical officials with several on European, UK or U.S. sanctions lists.
  • The discoveries are the first publicly detailed results of a March plan to locate and eliminate legacy chemical weapons in Syria, and they have prompted ongoing criminal investigations and extended OPCW on‑site work.
  • The findings deepen longstanding concerns about incomplete Syrian declarations since 2013 and carry tangible risks for civilians and regional security because damaged or hidden munitions and precursors can cause contamination or be diverted if not secured and destroyed.