Global Chemical Weapons Watchdog Reminds Syria Of Obligations

Syrians walk through destruction in the town of Douma, the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack, near Damascus, Syria, on April 16, 2018. The annual meeting of member states of the global chemi

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) issued a statement on Monday reminding Syria of its obligations to comply with rules safeguarding certain toxic chemicals. This comes after rebels entered the capital Damascus over the weekend and reportedly overthrew Syrian President Bashar Assad.

The OPCW stated that it is closely monitoring the recent developments in Syria, particularly focusing on the status of chemical weapons-related sites and other locations of interest. The organization has been in contact with the Syrian embassy in The Hague, where it is based.

Syria's Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali mentioned on Monday that most cabinet ministers are still operating from offices in Damascus. However, the status of the stockpile of chemical weapons, which Assad has been accused of using against civilians, remains unclear.

Neighboring Israel has conducted airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to prevent them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel has also seized a buffer zone inside Syria following the withdrawal of Syrian troops.

Rebels enter Damascus, reportedly overthrow Assad

OPCW reminds Syria of chemical weapons obligations

Israel conducts airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites

Despite Assad's regime denying the use of chemical weapons, the OPCW has found evidence indicating their repeated use in Syria's ongoing civil war. Earlier this year, the organization confirmed that the Islamic State group had used mustard gas in the town of Marea.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced that Russia has granted political asylum to Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Assad's specific whereabouts and stated that Putin has no plans to meet with him.

As streams of refugees return to Syria from neighboring countries in search of a more peaceful future, Jalali, who has remained in his position after Assad and most top officials disappeared over the weekend, mentioned that the government is coordinating with insurgents. He expressed readiness to meet rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, who made a public appearance at a prominent Damascus mosque on Sunday.