EU Prepares More Sanctions after OPCW Report on Syria Chemical Attack

(MENAFN) The European Union signaled on Wednesday that it may impose additional restrictive measures following a report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) tying Syrian government forces to a chemical weapons attack in 2016.

According to EU Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni, the OPCW report, released on January 20, found “reasonable grounds to believe” that a military helicopter dropped a cylinder containing chlorine gas on the town of Kafr Zeita on October 1, 2016, injuring 35 confirmed individuals and affecting many others.

“The European Union strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone – be it a State or a non-State actor – anywhere, at any time and under any circumstances,” El Anouni said. He emphasized that such actions constitute a serious violation of international law and may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.

The EU welcomed Syria’s transitional authorities’ cooperation with the investigation and praised the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team for its “professional and independent work,” calling it an “important” step toward ending impunity for chemical weapons use.

“We stay committed to supporting the OPCW politically and financially with a view to ensuring full accountability for those responsible for these heinous crimes in Syria and beyond,” El Anouni said.

The EU has previously imposed sanctions on Bashar Assad regime officials and scientists involved in chemical weapons development and use. In light of the new OPCW report, the bloc stated it is ready to consider further measures as appropriate. El Anouni concluded by reaffirming the EU’s “full confidence” in the OPCW’s objectivity, impartiality, and independence.

MENAFN28012026000045017640ID1110662384