US intensifies efforts to prevent misuse of Syria’s chemical weapons

ANKARA (AA) – The US is working along with its Middle Eastern allies to ensure that chemical weapons previously held by the Assad regime do not fall into the hands of terrorist groups, according to media reports on Monday.

“We are taking very prudent measures about this,” the Axios media outlet quoted a US official as saying during a briefing on Sunday, emphasizing that efforts are underway to secure and destroy dangerous materials.

President Joe Biden addressed the situation in a speech, affirming the American commitment to safeguarding Syria’s neighbors, including Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Israel, from threats emerging from the country.

“We will engage with all Syrian groups to establish a transition towards an independent, sovereign Syria that serves all Syrians,” Biden stated.

The Israeli military conducted airstrikes on facilities linked to Syria’s chemical weapons and ballistic missile programs over the weekend.

“We have a responsibility to make sure strategic weapon systems don’t fall into the wrong hands,” an Israeli official told reporters.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) also announced precision airstrikes targeting ISIS camps in central Syria as part of a broader mission to prevent the terrorist group from regrouping.

The Syrian forces that toppled the Assad regime have pledged to secure chemical weapon sites responsibly and offered to coordinate with international monitors to ensure compliance with international law.

Bashar al-Assad fled Syria after groups fighting against him for 13 years entered Damascus on December 7. Over these years, the Assad regime killed more than 100,000 Syrians.