A delegation from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) met with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Saturday, marking the first visit by the OPCW since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.
Assad, who ruled for 23 years, had faced repeated accusations of chemical weapons use during Syria’s 13-year conflict.
Historical Context of Chemical Weapons in Syria
Under pressure from both Russia and the United States, Syria joined the OPCW in 2013 to avoid U.S.-led airstrikes after accusations of a chemical attack in Eastern Ghouta that reportedly killed over 1,000 people. The Assad regime denied these allegations but agreed to disclose and hand over its stockpile of chemical weapons, claiming full compliance.
Despite this, OPCW investigations raised concerns that Syria’s declarations were incomplete, suggesting hidden stockpiles. Between 2014 and 2021, OPCW investigations attributed multiple chemical attacks to the Assad government, including the use of chlorine, sarin, and mustard gas in various incidents.
Meeting with the Interim Leadership
The Syrian Presidency released photos of OPCW Director General Fernando Arias meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Sheibani. The delegation discussed chemical stockpile security following Assad’s overthrow on December 8, 2024, by opposition factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
Arias highlighted the organization’s “grave concern” over Syria’s potential chemical stockpiles and the need for security measures to prevent misuse. The OPCW had previously reached out to the new authorities in Damascus, urging them to safeguard materials and facilities linked to chemical weapons.
Concerns Over Israeli Airstrikes and Stockpile Security
Arias also expressed concerns about Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military sites, some of which were reportedly linked to chemical weapons. Israel confirmed these strikes, stating they aimed to prevent such weapons from falling into extremist hands. Arias warned that these attacks risked contamination and the destruction of critical evidence.
OPCW’s Investigative History in Syria
Since establishing a fact-finding mission in 2014, the OPCW has documented 74 potential chemical attacks in Syria, confirming chemical weapon use in at least 20 cases.
Key Incidents:
2017: Sarin and chlorine attacks in Latamneh, Hama province, attributed to Syrian government forces.
2018: Chlorine bomb dropped on Saraqeb by a Syrian helicopter.
2018: A chlorine gas attack in Douma killed 43 people.
In response to these findings, Syria was stripped of its OPCW voting rights in 2021.
The Path Forward
While the interim government has pledged transparency and cooperation, the OPCW remains cautious about the security of Syria’s chemical weapons and the potential for future misuse. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as the new leadership navigates the immense challenges of post-Assad Syria.
This visit underscores the significance of securing Syria’s chemical stockpiles and ensuring accountability for past violations, a critical step in rebuilding trust and stability in the region.
