Syria reports discovery of Assad-era chemical weapons sites

Syrian authorities have announced the discovery of sites and materials linked to the chemical weapons program of the former government of Bashar al-Assad, according to a statement by Syria’s Permanent Representation to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Citing a report by Al-Watan, the statement said that Syrian search and investigative teams had successfully located facilities connected to the dismantled program.

Among the findings were munitions and materials used in the production of chemical weapons, including components associated with the nerve agent sarin, as well as specialised equipment designed for mixing and storage.

According to the statement, specialised Syrian units dealing with hazardous materials identified 54 aerial bombs and 25 surface-to-surface missiles at the sites. Additional quantities of chemical substances were also found and are currently being analysed.

Authorities further reported the detention of 18 individuals suspected of involvement in the former regime’s chemical program. Those detained include senior military officers, former experts from the Scientific Studies and Research Centre, and intelligence officials who had overseen aspects of the program.

The statement stressed that all recovered munitions and materials were transferred to designated chemical storage facilities after verification by inspection teams from the OPCW Technical Secretariat. These steps were undertaken in preparation for their eventual destruction, with the aim of ensuring that no threat remains to civilian populations, the environment, or national, regional, and international security.

By Tamilla Hasanova