Syria has likely used chemical weapons 17 times

Recently the international chemical weapons watchdog told the U.N. Security Council that its experts have investigated 77 allegations against Syria, and concluded that in 17 cases chemical weapons were likely or definitely used.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Syria was pressed to join the chemical weapons convention in 2013 by its close ally Russia after a deadly chemical weapons attack that the West blamed on Damascus.

In 2014, President Bashar al-Assad’s government declared that the destruction of its chemical weapons was completed.

But Syria’s initial declaration to the OPCW has remained in dispute. In April 2021, the OPCW suspended Syria’s rights until all outstanding issues are resolved.

Chemical weapons are typically categorized as blister, nerve, choking, blood and riot-control agents, and the effects of these weapons are felt immediately upon inhalation or skin contact. Examples of chemical weapons are mustard gas, sarin, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide and tear gas.