OPCW Holds Emergency Meeting on Syria’s Chemical Weapons Amid Political Shift

Syria’s Chemical Weapons Crisis: OPCW Steps In
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has convened an emergency meeting to address the ongoing issue of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The meeting, scheduled for Thursday, comes amid the rapid political upheaval in Syria, where rebel forces took control of Damascus after a successful military offensive. The OPCW’s executive council is set to discuss Syria’s compliance with international chemical weapons treaties and review the situation regarding the country’s remaining stockpiles.

New Syrian Government Under Scrutiny for Chemical Weapons Compliance
After the fall of Assad’s regime, the OPCW has reminded Syria’s new authorities of their responsibility to adhere to international obligations regarding chemical weapons, including the destruction of substances like chlorine gas. While Assad’s government consistently denied using chemical weapons, the OPCW has documented multiple instances of their deployment during Syria’s civil war. Notably, the Islamic State (ISIS) was found to have used mustard gas in a 2015 attack on Marea, a town in northern Syria.

The OPCW has emphasized that it remains the sole body responsible for inspections and verification efforts under its mandate, reinforcing the necessity of impartial oversight as Syria’s political landscape undergoes significant changes. The situation is particularly sensitive as Syria continues to face international scrutiny over its chemical weapons use during the prolonged civil conflict.

U.S. Support for Transitional Government: A Focus on Chemical Weapons
The United States has expressed its support for the new Syrian government led by Mohammed al-Bashir, a former rebel leader. The U.S. has set clear expectations for the transitional cabinet, urging them to denounce terrorism, eliminate chemical weapons, and ensure the protection of minority and women’s rights. The U.S. State Department emphasized the OPCW’s crucial role in verifying Syria’s adherence to international disarmament agreements, particularly concerning the country’s chemical weapons.

Ongoing Military Tensions: Israel’s Role in Syria
While the OPCW prepares for its emergency meeting, Israel has continued its military campaign in Syria, conducting over 350 airstrikes in the past 48 hours. These strikes have primarily targeted strategic weapons stockpiles, including chemical weapons-related materials. The Israeli military acknowledged its movements within a buffer zone in Syria but denied advancing toward Damascus. Israel’s continued military involvement underscores the complex and volatile situation in Syria, where multiple regional powers are vying for influence.

Meanwhile, in a significant political development, Russian President Vladimir Putin granted political asylum to Bashar al-Assad, signaling Russia’s continued support for the ousted leader, even as the situation in Syria remains fluid.