Syria to dismantle Assad regime's chemical weapons legacy 13 years after deadly attack – analysis

Thirteen years after the Ghouta chemical attack, Syria's new government, which took power in December 2024, is beginning a new phase in dismantling the Assad regime's chemical weapons program. This initiative, supported by the international community, aims to eliminate remaining weapons and hold perpetrators accountable, marking a clear distinction from the previous government.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani announced that Syria is beginning "a new phase" in dealing with the country's chemical weapons legacy, initiating "necessary technical and operational measures to eliminate them in cooperation with international partners."

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Director-General Sabrina Dallafior noted that recent discoveries of undeclared munitions highlight the scale of work ahead and the importance of continued cooperation. Syria has restored full cooperation with the OPCW and is prioritizing accountability, with Interior Minister Anas Khattab stating, "No criminal will escape punishment, regardless of how much time passes." This effort also seeks to rebuild international credibility and reinforce the global norm against chemical weapons use.