Syria Begins Destroying Assad-Era Chemical Stockpile, Cites Israeli Interference
Syria informed the UN Security Council on Thursday that it has commenced the destruction of chemical materials dating back to the era of former President Bashar al-Assad. The announcement was made by Syria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ibrahim Alabi, during a Security Council session, as reported by the Syrian state news agency SANA. Alabi stated the destruction process is being conducted under the verification procedures of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and described the commencement as a "historic moment." He did not provide specific details on the destruction methods but emphasized that Syria's cooperation with the OPCW signifies a "deep political transformation" in its approach to multilateral engagement, signaling a "return to the international community through the door of responsibility and commitment fulfillment."
In the same address, Alabi claimed that Israeli "aggression" has hindered Syria's efforts related to its nuclear program, causing a "complete halt" and cancellation of flights at certain stages. He asserted that these attacks endangered Syrian national teams, international inspection teams, and the sites targeted for security. Alabi stressed that success in managing nuclear materials and undertaking unprecedented steps is impossible while facing threats to Syria's stability and that of the entire region. He further stated that regional security cannot be maintained while Israel "disregards international law" by endangering Syria's security. Southern Syria, particularly the Quneitra and Daraa provinces, has reportedly seen near-daily Israeli incursions, including raids, searches, arrests, and the establishment of military checkpoints.
Separately, in mid-August, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, announced the discovery of several tons of residual nuclear material from the former regime in Syria's eastern Deir Ezzor province. Grossi had met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shar'a and Foreign Minister Assad Al-Shibani in Damascus in July to discuss enhanced cooperation. Earlier, in June 2025, Grossi's visit to Syria resulted in IAEA inspectors gaining "immediate and unrestricted access" to relevant verification sites, which Grossi praised as demonstrating Damascus's "transparency." The IAEA also launched a medical and developmental support program in Syria, including cancer treatment equipment and agricultural and water sector aid, alongside discussions on the peaceful use of nuclear energy for electricity generation.
