Syrian transitional authorities announced the recovery of remnants of Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons program, including raw materials, munitions, and equipment used in past attacks [1, 2, 3]. The discovery includes over 70 rockets and aerial bombs, sarin nerve agent ingredients, and chemical mixing and storage devices [1, 3].
Among the munitions found were 54 aerial bombs similar to those deployed in the 2017 Latamneh attack in Hama province and 25 surface-to-surface rockets resembling those used in the 2013 sarin attack on Eastern Ghouta suburbs outside Damascus [3]. These attacks previously killed over 1,300 civilians, according to reports [1, 3].
Officials detained 18 individuals connected to the program, including senior military officers and political and technical personnel. Some detainees had been previously sanctioned by Europe, the UK, or the US [1, 2, 3]. After verification, the seized materials were transferred to specialized OPCW-designated facilities for secure destruction [3].
Mohamad Katoub, Syria's permanent representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, said, "Despite the secrecy, the danger, and the immense security challenges ... today we delivered for the Syrian people and for the world. It is the first time such munitions could be recovered before they were used in crimes against the Syrian people" [1].
OPCW teams conducted visits to multiple undeclared sites in northern coastal and central Syria, recovering dozens of chemical munitions and related equipment that had not been previously declared [1]. The OPCW had earlier reported inconsistencies in Syria’s declarations about its program and has intensified monitoring amid continuing political instability [2]. International experts remain concerned about undisclosed chemical stockpiles and proliferation risks [2].
Syria has pledged cooperation with the international community to eliminate legacy weapons of mass destruction that still pose dangers [1].
On May 26, the OPCW announced its report on the discovery of undeclared chemical munitions at multiple Syrian locations in partnership with local authorities [1]. The following day, Syrian officials publicly confirmed the findings and the detention of suspects linked to Assad’s chemical weapons program [3].
