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On December 7, 2024, the Political Affairs Department of the Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) issued a statement regarding its position on the chemical weapons depots in Syria that the former regime of Bashar Al-Assad might have left behind.
The statement, which did not reveal if the anti-Assad factions had identified such weapons, assured the international community that the group, which appointed a transitional government, has no plans to use these weapons against anyone, under any circumstances.
"Assad Regime Used Chemical Weapons More Than Once"
Reminding the international community that the former Syrian government of Bashar Al-Assad had used chemical weapons against civilians more than once, the statement said:
"The Assad regime has attacked the Syrian people with chemical weapons dozens of times, claiming the lives of thousands of civilians, and has not been punished until now. He used them in Khan al-Asal and Eastern Ghouta (2013), Khan Shaykhun (2017), Douma (2018), and other attacks."
"We Have No Intention To Use Chemical Weapons Or Any WMD"
Underlining HTS's position about the use of such weapons, the statement read:
"In light of the current developments taking place in the Syrian arena, we would like to reassure the international community of our firm position in dealing with chemical weapons and military sites that may be under the control of the Syrian regime. We confirm, very clearly, that we do not have any intention or desire to use chemical weapons or any weapons of mass destruction, under any circumstances. We consider the use of such weapons a crime against humanity, and we will not allow any weapon whatsoever to be used against civilians or transformed into a tool for revenge or destruction."
"Military Sites Will Not Be Used For Any Aggression"
On dealing with military sites that the anti-Assad forces have seized recently, in several cities, the statement vowed to deal with these sites "with the utmost responsibility, and under no circumstances will we allow these sites or weapons to fall into irresponsible hands, and we are working to secure them and avoid any danger that may threaten the lives of civilians or the security of the region. We are committed to maintaining the security of these sites, and ensuring that they are not used for any aggression, whether against our people or against any other party."
The statement pledged "to cooperate with the international community in everything related to monitoring weapons and sensitive sites," and to provide firm guarantees that prohibited weapons will not be used.
