Syria: Syria announced on Thursday the start of the destruction of chemical materials found in the country under the supervision of experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Addressing the UN Security Council, Syria's Permanent Representative Ibrahim Olabi described the operation as a historic milestone and the first such destruction effort since the fall of the former regime.
According to Anadolu Agency, Olabi announced the commencement of the process of destroying some of the chemical materials found in Syria under the inspection work of OPCW colleagues. He emphasized that this operation is the first of its kind on Syrian territory in over a decade, underlining what can be achieved through diplomacy, political will, and international cooperation. Olabi reiterated Syria's commitment to accountability and its intention to work with the international community to support national justice.
Olabi stated that the operation aims to protect Syrians and prevent chemical weapons from falling into the wrong hands, thus safeguarding regional and international security. He stressed that securing sites and identifying ammunition not only remove threats to Syria but also to the world.
Olabi also highlighted the challenges posed by repeated Israeli attacks, which have impeded the chemical destruction operations. He called on the international community to ensure conditions that would allow the destruction process to continue without interruptions. He noted that these attacks have endangered national teams, OPCW teams, and secured sites. Syria, having inherited complex issues from the former regime, is addressing them in line with international law and standards, Olabi added.
US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce welcomed Syria's progress in dismantling remnants of the former regime's chemical weapons program. She noted that the OPCW Executive Council had restored Syria's rights and privileges under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Bruce mentioned that OPCW inspectors are in Syria to verify the destruction of Category 3 chemical weapons, including empty M4000 aerial bombs and Volcano rockets linked to past attacks in Khan Sheikhoun and Ghouta. She urged UN members to support Syria's efforts and hold those responsible accountable while honoring the victims and survivors of Assad-era chemical attacks.