Syria cooperates with OPCW to resolve chemical weapons legacy

The Syrian government has provided the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) with access to sites, facilities, records, and witnesses as part of efforts to uncover the chemical weapons legacy of the previous regime. Nidal Sheikhani, director of the Center for Documentation of Chemical Violations in Syria, stated that approximately 100,000 documents detailing manufacturing, storage, transport, and the roles of involved personnel have been handed over.

Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hassan al-Shaibani announced a roadmap developed with the OPCW technical secretariat to finalize the chemical weapons file. This plan includes precise site identification, a clear timeline, and measurable milestones ahead of next month’s Conference of the States Parties. The cooperation follows Syria’s restoration of full rights and privileges within the organization.

Recent actions include the destruction of 42 chemical aerial bombs in August under OPCW supervision, marking the first verified destruction on Syrian territory since 2014. Challenges to completing the file include landmines at certain sites, damaged facilities, and records previously hidden or destroyed by the former regime. OPCW Director-General Sabrina Lalafior emphasized the priority of securing chemical weapon remnants to protect the Syrian people and the wider region.