Story perspectives

Syria’s OPCW uncovers dozens of undeclared chemical weapons.

5/28/2026

Summary

OPCW Finds Weapons

Syria announced OPCW inspectors uncovered dozens of undeclared chemical weapons in May 2026.
Inspectors found bombs, rockets, chemicals, equipment and thousands of documents in Hama, Homs and Latakia.
The weapons match those used in Ghouta (Aug 2013), Ltamenah (Mar 2017) and Khan Shaykhun (Apr 2017).
Syrian sources said 18 senior officers, former experts and security staff were arrested.
SANA reported all seized materials have been moved to storage facilities pending destruction.
OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias created the Office of Special Missions on 1 June 2025 to coordinate verification.

Summary

Al Moussa Captured

Maj Gen Jayez Al Moussa, former air force commander, was captured this month on accusations of directing chemical attacks.
Ex-general Adnan Abboud Halawa was detained last month for his suspected involvement in the 2013 Ghouta sarin strike.
The first trial of a senior Assad ally opened, charging former Deraa security chief Atef Najib with killing and torturing protesters.
Four of the 18 detained officials are listed on U.S., British or EU sanctions, emphasizing their alleged role in the weapons program.
UN disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu welcomed Syria’s cooperation but warned undeclared stockpiles still cast doubt on full compliance.

History

Historical Context

When the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force on 29 April 1997, the OPCW—based in The Hague with 193 member states—began systematic inspections and later verified the destruction of most declared Syrian stockpiles, reporting 97 % eliminated by September 2014. The body’s mandate now underpins ongoing UN-led fact-finding missions in Hama, Homs and Latakia.

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OPCW Finds Weapons

Syria announced OPCW inspectors uncovered dozens of undeclared chemical weapons in May 2026.
Inspectors found bombs, rockets, chemicals, equipment and thousands of documents in Hama, Homs and Latakia.
The weapons match those used in Ghouta (Aug 2013), Ltamenah (Mar 2017) and Khan Shaykhun (Apr 2017).
Syrian sources said 18 senior officers, former experts and security staff were arrested.
SANA reported all seized materials have been moved to storage facilities pending destruction.
OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias created the Office of Special Missions on 1 June 2025 to coordinate verification.

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