Published on: 2026-09-03
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 3, 2026 Peace and Security
The UN Security Council held a meeting on Thursday dedicated to the situation in Syria: several months ago, stockpiles of previously undeclared chemical weapons were discovered in the country.
The UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, informed the Council that cooperation between the new Syrian authorities and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has enabled significant progress in addressing issues related to residual elements of the former government’s chemical weapons program.
After the discovery in May 2026 of previously undeclared weapons, Syria made amendments to its initial 2013 declaration, including an additional production facility, a chemical substance used to manufacture nerve-agent toxic chemicals, empty munitions, and two warehouses.
Subsequent inspections confirmed the accuracy of the declared data and witnessed the irreversible destruction of 42 aerial bombs – this became the first confirmed case of the destruction of Syrian chemical munitions since 2014. The Executive Council of the Organization also restored Syria’s rights and privileges under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
At the same time, Nakamitsu noted that serious problems persist in Syria, including those concerning potentially undeclared or unverified chemicals and munitions.
Reminding the Security Council of the victims of chemical attacks in Ghouta in 2013, she emphasized the need to hold accountable those responsible for the use of chemical weapons, as well as to support efforts to maintain the global ban on this type of weapon.
Reports that significant stockpiles of previously undeclared chemical weapons, including missiles of the same type used in the notorious 2013 Ghouta attack, were found in Syria emerged in early June.
The country’s new government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, closely cooperated with OPCW inspectors who visited Syria in May, facilitated access to sites, and provided relevant documentation, which made this breakthrough possible.
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