Syrian Authorities Detain 18 Suspects in Assad Chemical Weapons Program

Syrian authorities have detained 18 individuals suspected of involvement in operating and managing the former Assad regime's chemical weapons program. The recent discovery of Assad-era chemical weapons munitions and materials could help investigators trace the command structures that oversaw the program.

Syrian authorities stated the detentions followed the munitions find. Officials indicated the materials may provide evidence for tracing operational responsibility. A drawing exhibition depicting scenes from the August 21, 2013 chemical attack took place in Moadamiyat Al-Sham to mark the 12th anniversary.

The materials and detentions could support efforts to prosecute individuals for war crimes related to chemical weapons use, according to experts cited in the reporting.