OPCW Investigates Syrian Chemical Weapons Attack, Links Assad Regime to 2016 Incident
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has determined there are 'reasonable grounds to believe' that the Syrian Arab Air Force was responsible for a chemical weapons attack on 1 October 2016 in Kafr Zita, Syria. This conclusion follows an investigation by the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) conducted from March 2024 to December 2025, which identified the use of chlorine gas released from a compressed cylinder.
The attack resulted in injuries to 35 individuals and caused numerous undocumented casualties. The OPCW has previously identified perpetrators in seven incidents of chemical weapon use in Syria. In a related development, Syria reactivated its permanent mission to the OPCW in The Hague, appointing Mohammad Katoub as its representative. The UN General Assembly supported a resolution reflecting positive cooperation between Syria and the OPCW, as investigations into chemical weapons use continue.
