New York Times: more than 100 sites linked to chemical weapons still active in Syria

Estimates from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons indicate that Syria still possesses chemical arsenals despite declared disarmament in 2013

According to an investigation published by the New York Times, more than 100 sites related to chemical weapons development and research are reportedly still active in Syria. These facilities would date back to the time of Bashar Assad’s regime and, despite disarmament commitments made by Syria in 2013, continue to pose a threat. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPAC) has estimated the existence of these arsenals, which could include chemical agents such as sarin, chlorine, and mustard gas.

Hidden and hard-to-detect arsenals

Some of these sites may be hidden in caves or other hard-to-detect locations, raising fears that chemical weapons are still in place on Syrian soil despite the alleged disarmament that took place following the chemical attack near Damascus in 2013, which claimed hundreds of lives. Despite the treaty committing Syria to give up its arsenal, numerous allegations have raised the possibility that the country retained some of these armaments and even used them again over the ensuing years.

Israel involved in operations against chemical sites

Israel has confirmed that it has struck sites suspected of containing chemical weapons and long-range rockets in Syria. The military actions were justified by the need to prevent these arsenals from falling into the hands of hostile groups, further confirmation of international concerns about the possible future use of chemical weapons in ongoing conflicts.

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