The head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has called for an investigation into chemical attacks that killed and injured thousands during the Syrian civil war, following President Bashar al-Assad’s sudden toppling. Fernando Arias said his office had seen positive signals from Syria about ridding the country of chemical weapons, but no formal request had been received.
Arias warned of proliferation risks and urged perpetrators to be brought to justice for multiple use of chemical weapons during the 13-year war. He plans to seek access for the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team to identify culprits who remain unidentified.
Syria joined the OPCW in 2013 under a US-Russian deal, but still possesses banned munitions after over a decade of inspections. The international community destroyed 1,300 metric tonnes of chemical weapons and precursors.
Israel has continued to pound Syria, striking ports and missile warehouses as its ground troops move deeper into the demilitarised area in the Syrian Golan Heights, expanding its occupation. Israeli forces have launched over 480 air strikes on Syrian sites since al-Assad’s fall, prompting concerns from the UN Secretary-General about sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Syria’s new administration has pledged to institute “rule of law” after years of abuses under al-Assad, but faces enormous tasks ahead, including an economic mess that has left people at rock bottom.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/12/chemical-weapons-watchdog-urges-probe-in-syria-after-al-assad-toppled