The global chemical weapons watchdog has reported the discovery of dozens of previously undeclared chemical munitions in Syria in recent weeks, remnants of the era of former President Bashar Assad. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) stated in its May report that its inspectors have been able to examine "high-priority undeclared locations" since the beginning of the month.
Findings of the OPCW Report
According to the report, "dozens of undeclared chemical munitions such as aerial bombs and rockets … have been found at several of these undeclared locations." These findings come as Syria continues to grapple with the legacy of its chemical weapons program.
Syria's Commitment to Destruction
When Syria joined the OPCW in 2013, it acknowledged the presence of chemical weapons at 26 locations. However, the watchdog has long suspected the existence of over 100 additional sites. Following the overthrow of Assad in December 2024, the interim government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa has pledged to eliminate any remaining chemical weapons from the former regime.
During a visit to the OPCW in The Hague last year, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani appealed for international assistance in ridding the country of these illegal munitions. He stated that Syria's new leadership is committed to "destroy any remains of the chemical weapons program developed under the Assad regime, to put an end to this painful legacy, to bring justice to victims, and to ensure that compliance with international law is a solid one."
Historical Context
Syria originally joined the OPCW in 2013 to avert the threat of airstrikes following a chemical attack on the outskirts of Damascus. While Assad's government denied using chemical weapons, the OPCW has previously found evidence of their repeated use during the country's devastating civil war. The organization has also documented the use of chemical weapons by the Islamic State group during the conflict.
