Syria has begun destroying chemical weapons remaining from the Bashar al-Assad era

Syria has begun destroying the remnants of the chemical weapons program left over from the Bashar al-Assad era. This was announced by a UN representative on September 3. This is the first time in the last decade that such weapons are being destroyed in the country.

In May, Reuters reported that Syria's new leadership, headed by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, had discovered remnants of Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons program. Among the items found were raw materials and ammunition similar to the weapons used during the civil war.

Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, spoke about this during a briefing at the Security Council on September 3. According to her, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed the destruction of chemical ammunition in Syria for the first time since 2014.

According to Nakamitsu, following the discovery in May, Syria found another chemical weapons production facility, a new chemical substance used in the preparation of nerve agents, and empty chemical ammunition. Two chemical weapons depots where these objects were stored were also registered.

In August, experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons traveled to Syria to verify the destruction of Category 3 chemical weapons. This category includes unfilled ammunition and other equipment. Nakamitsu stated that the team confirmed 42 aerial bombs had been irreversibly destroyed.

Syria's Ambassador to the UN, Ibrahim Alabi, said in his speech to the Council that through these efforts, Syria is saving the region and the world from danger and threat. At the same time, he sharply criticized Israel. The ambassador noted that Israel's consecutive attacks hindered the search and destruction efforts and put the lives of Syrian specialists at risk.

"We cannot ensure the security of the region while Israeli attacks pose a threat. They disregard regional security and violate international conventions and treaties," Alabi said.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to this statement. Alabi also said that Syria is preparing for the first court hearing regarding individuals suspected of involvement in the chemical weapons program.

In early 2026, Syrian authorities arrested 18 people suspected of involvement in Assad's chemical weapons program. Among them are high-ranking military, political, and technical specialists.

The decision took effect immediately upon issuance, and all restrictions against the country were lifted. Now, the international financial and banking system can resume cooperation with Syria. Damascus stated that with this, the last major obstacle to investing in the country has been removed.