Washington, Jan. 13 (SANA) The U.S.-based The Hill newspaper has reported that justice for the victims of the chemical attacks carried out by the deposed Syrian regime is now closer than ever. The regime’s collapse more than a year ago has created an unprecedented opportunity to hold those responsible accountable, from the developers of the toxic agents to the officers who executed the attacks and the leaders who orchestrated them.
In an opinion piece, chemical security expert Gregory D. Koblentz emphasized that the fall of the Assad regime represents a historic turning point in the pursuit of accountability. He stressed that holding the deposed regime accountable for its chemical weapons use is not only a matter of justice but a necessary step to strengthen the global norm against the use of these weapons and deter their future use.
Koblentz pointed out that in November, during the annual meeting of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the world commemorated the International Day of Remembrance for Chemical Warfare Victims. This year’s observance held special significance as it marked the first time that Syria’s victims and survivors of chemical attacks were publicly honored within their own country.
The article detailed that the deposed regime carried out over 340 chemical attacks during the 13-year war, with the 2013 Ghouta sarin attack being the deadliest, claiming the lives of over 1,100 civilians in just a few hours. While Ghouta, Douma, and Khan Sheikhoun are the most well-known sites, numerous towns and villages across Syria were also targeted. Human rights groups estimate that at least 1,500 people were killed, and more than 12,000 were injured in these attacks.
Koblentz also highlighted the formation of the National Commission for Transitional Justice by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, tasked with investigating and prosecuting crimes committed by the deposed regime. He noted the arrest of five senior Syrian Air Force officers linked to chemical attacks, though several other key figures have fled to Lebanon. Among them are Jamil Hassan, Bassam al-Hassan, and pilot Muhammad al-Hasouri, who dropped the sarin bomb on Khan Sheikhoun. Koblentz stressed that the extradition of these individuals is crucial for achieving justice.
The expert also pointed to ongoing legal actions in France, where arrest warrants have been issued for Assad and four senior officers on charges of using chemical weapons and committing crimes against humanity. While these individuals are currently in exile in Moscow, they are expected to stand trial in absentia next year, providing an opportunity to present compelling evidence of the regime’s involvement. Similar investigations are also underway in Germany and Sweden, potentially leading to further trials.
Koblentz concluded that the U.S. can play a key role by sharing declassified intelligence on Syrian officials, military officers, and scientists, supporting their prosecution. He also suggested working through Interpol and international coalitions to facilitate the arrest and extradition of those involved in the chemical attacks. Holding perpetrators of chemical crimes accountable is not only a matter of justice for the victims but also a powerful deterrent to prevent future use of chemical weapons.
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