OPCW verifies first destruction of Syria's chemical weapons since 2014

UN officials and Syria’s representatives described a historic step in dismantling Assad-era chemical weapons, with the OPCW confirming the first verified destruction of such munitions on Syrian soil since 2014. The process followed the discovery in May of remnants including an additional production facility for nerve agents, a newly identified chemical, and empty munitions, along with two storage sites for the newly found materials. A team from the OPCW verified the irreversible destruction of 42 aerial bombs as part of destroying category-three chemicals, under close international oversight. Syria’s UN ambassador Ibrahim Olabi framed the move as protecting regional and global security, but criticized repeated Israeli attacks that he said impeded search-and-destroy operations and endangered Syrian teams. Olabi also indicated that Syria is preparing for a court hearing of suspects tied to the chemical weapons program, while underscoring the importance of continued security and adherence to conventions. The accounts across the briefings stress a cautious but hopeful trajectory toward dismantling a long-contested program amid regional tensions.