Reports from OPCW or credible international monitoring organizations

U.S. Officials Warn of Potential Use of Sarin-Loaded Chemical Weapons by Assad's Forces Amid Rebel Advances on Damascus

Dec 7, 2024, 11:36 PM

U.S. intelligence officials have expressed growing concerns regarding the potential use of chemical weapons by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces as rebel groups advance towards Damascus. Reports indicate that Assad's military maintains limited stockpiles of sarin-loaded chemical weapons, which could be deployed as a last resort to defend the capital. The New York Times has highlighted that U.S. agencies are closely monitoring suspected chemical weapons storage sites in Syria, looking for signs that Assad's forces are preparing to use these weapons. Furthermore, U.S. officials have stated there is no intention to intervene in the conflict to influence its outcome, whether in support of the opposition or Assad. The situation is further complicated by the perception that Russian support for Assad may be waning due to its ongoing commitments in Ukraine.