Syria's transitional authorities have announced the discovery of remnants of a secret chemical weapons program from the era of former President Bashar al-Assad. The materials and munitions found are similar to those allegedly used in gas attacks during the civil war.
According to Oxu.Az citing Reuters, Syria's permanent representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Mohammad Katub, made the statement. He said that law enforcement agencies have detained 18 individuals suspected of involvement in the Assad regime's chemical program. Among those detained are high-ranking military officers, political and technical officials.
Katub noted that these are remnants of a program hidden by the previous government. The location where the materials and munitions were found has not been disclosed.
Reuters recalls that chemical weapons were used multiple times during Syria's civil war. Western countries and international organizations accused the Assad regime of launching attacks with sarin and chlorine gas against civilians, while Damascus denied the allegations.
