German Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued a statement on 23 February, following the publication of the fourth report by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ (OPCW) Investigation and Identification Team. The spokesperson stated, “The German Government condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons by the so-called Islamic State in the Syrian town of Marea in September 2015 which has been established following an independent investigation by the OPCW.”
The spokesperson emphasized Germany’s commitment to bringing those responsible for this appalling violation of international law to justice. The report is seen as a significant contribution in the fight against impunity in connection with all chemical weapons attacks within and outside Syria.
The report also underscores the need for vigilance regarding the use of chemical weapons by terrorists. The spokesperson noted that Germany actively championed the decision of 30 November 2023 by the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention. This decision strengthens the OPCW’s capabilities to investigate the use of chemical weapons by state and non-state players and aims to halt transfers to Syria of chemicals potentially suitable for producing chemical weapons.
The spokesperson concluded by highlighting the importance of the independent, non-partisan, and expert work of OPCW staff.
The OPCW’s fourth report, published on 22 February 2024, builds on the findings of the Fact-Finding Mission’s report in January 2022, which concluded that toxic chemicals were weaponised in Marea on 1 September 2015. The latest report provides reasonable grounds to believe that ammunition filled with sulfur mustard was deployed by Islamic State fighters during hostilities in Marea. The OPCW continues to maintain its investigative capabilities, enforce transfer bans on chemicals and equipment to the regime and terrorists in Syria, and foster greater cooperation in the fight against the use of chemical weapons by terrorists.
