In recent news, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) claims that in 2017, the Syrian air force executed three chemical attacks on a village located in Syria’s western Hama region.
The OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team’s Findings
Established by the OPCW in 2018, the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) was created to identify those responsible for contravening illegal attacks. After thorough scrutiny, the team concluded that the Syrian air force helicopter dropped bombs containing poisonous chlorine and sarin nerve gas. However, the Syrian government has categorically denied using chemical weapons.
About the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
The OPCW is an international organization established by the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1997. Its primary function is implementing and enforcing the terms set forth in the non-proliferation treaty. This treaty explicitly prohibits the use, stockpiling or transfer of chemical weapons by signatory states. The OPCW is endowed with the authority to conduct inspections to ensure that signatory states are adhering to the convention.
This protocol includes granting inspectors complete access to chemical weapons sites. Furthermore, the OPCW also conducts testing of victims and sites suspected of experiencing chemical weapons attacks. By virtue of the 2001 Relationship Agreement between the OPCW and the United Nations, the OPCW submits reports of its inspections and other activities to the UN through the office of the Secretary General. The OPCW, headquartered in the Hague, Netherlands, was the proud recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.
The Dangerous Effects of Chlorine Gas
Chlorine, categorized as a choking agent, is notorious for its greenish-yellow clouds of gas that can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing, respiratory failure, irritation in the eyes, vomiting, and in severe cases, even death.
The Deadly Nature of Sarin Gas
Sarin, classified as a nerve agent under chemical warfare agents, displays similarities to certain kinds of organophosphates (insect killers) regarding their mechanism of action and the adverse effects they cause. This lethal gas was initially developed in 1938 in Germany as a pesticide.
Sarin is a clear, colorless, and tasteless liquid that lacks an odor in its pure form. However, sarin can evaporate into a vapor (gas), thereby easily spreading into the environment. It is also known in some circles by its codename, GB.
