Syria has begun to destroy chemical weapons and materials associated with the Bashar al Assad regime, under the supervision of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the UN Security Council reported this Thursday.
The representative of Syria, Ibrahim Olabi, described the operation as “the first destruction process since we freed ourselves from the previous regime” and noted that this is the first “to destroy chemical materials on Syrian territory in over a decade.” Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, indicated that an OPCW team verified last month the irreversible elimination of 42 aerial bombs, highlighting the “close cooperation” with Damascus.
Nakamitsu also stated that Syria has the necessary agreements and approvals to begin destruction activities under the verification of the OPCW Technical Secretariat. Furthermore, the OPCW director-general had informed the Executive Council a day earlier that the activities had begun.
In May 2026, Syria reported the discovery of previously undeclared stockpiles, including a facility related to chemical compounds, precursor substances for the manufacture of nerve agents, empty munitions, and two storage facilities. OPCW inspections confirmed the accuracy of the inventories, allowing advancement to the certified destruction phase this week.
Syria joined the OPCW in 2013, committing to disclose and surrender its chemical arsenal following joint pressure from Russia and the United States amid the threat of airstrikes. This decision came after a reported chemical attack in Eastern Ghouta that caused over 1,000 deaths, incidents attributed to the government of Bashar al Assad, who denied involvement.
The Syrian regime never fully revealed its chemical weapons program and sought to evade international inspectors, which in 2021 led to the suspension of its voting rights in the OPCW after the use of sarin and chlorine gas against civilians was confirmed. Meanwhile, the transitional government led by Ahmed al Shara continues with judicial proceedings against those responsible for crimes that occurred during Assad’s tenure.
Olabi reaffirmed his government’s position on justice and accountability, while U.S. envoy Tammy Bruce urged the new authorities to maintain cooperation with the OPCW as a way to “honor the men, women, and children of Syria whose lives were taken.” China and Russia have expressed support for Syria’s progress in this disarmament process.
Source: www.infobae.com
