By Esther Ososanya
Syria has accused Israel of blocking critical efforts to eliminate its remaining chemical weapons stockpiles. A top government adviser says Israeli airstrikes on Damascus have damaged infrastructure needed for inspections.
Ibrahim Olabi, legal adviser to Syria’s Foreign Ministry, revealed that the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) postponed a planned visit due to the attacks.
“The strikes hit facilities that support OPCW operations,” Olabi explained. “Without access to those sites, inspections cannot continue safely.”
In response, the OPCW has scheduled an emergency session for Tuesday to assess the situation.
The agency, which enforces the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention, has not yet issued a public comment.
Inspections Interrupted After Months of Work
Since March, international inspectors had been visiting new chemical weapons sites tied to the Assad-era stockpile. Syria’s interim government had supported the mission and vowed to eliminate all remnants of illegal weapons.
However, the Israeli strikes, which hit the presidential palace and destroyed part of the defence ministry, forced Syria to halt its coordination with the inspectors.
Israel said it acted to protect the Druze minority in southern Syria, where recent fighting has intensified.
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Global Risks Loom
The disruption raises concerns over regional and international security. A delay in Syria’s disarmament process could send the wrong message to other nations.
“This isn’t just about Syria,” said a Middle East security expert. “Delays in chemical weapons inspections pose a threat to global stability.”
The OPCW, based in The Hague, includes 193 member states and plays a central role in enforcing international chemical weapons bans.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.