Syria’s chemical-weapons file was not closed when Assad’s government fell. In May 2026, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announced that its team, working with Syrian authorities, had found previously undeclared chemical munitions, substances, equipment, and records. The organization said it was continuing investigations at more than 100 potential sites.
Under Security Council Resolution 2118, Syria was required to eliminate its chemical-weapons programme and cooperate with OPCW verification. OPCW reports after the transfer of power noted gaps in the initial declaration and inspections of locations that may have been involved. The agency’s work now includes identifying, declaring, securing, and safely destroying any remaining materials.
What inspectors have established
The OPCW reported that its 2025 teams visited declared and suspected sites, gathered samples, and examined records. In May 2026 it announced a more substantial discovery of undeclared items, including chemical munitions. Its stated next steps include completing the inventory and planning safe destruction under verification. OPCW inspections identify the contents and status of each location and material.
The OPCW’s 27 May 2026 announcement describes the new discovery and continued work. Its 2025 report to the UN Security Council says 26 chemical-weapons-related locations had been officially declared, while information suggested more than 100 additional sites may have been involved. “May have been involved” describes investigative leads, not confirmed stockpiles.
Israel’s humanitarian aid near the border
Israel also has a documented history of aid to Syrians living near the Golan. The IDF began treating injured Syrians in 2013 and expanded assistance in 2016 through Operation Good Neighbor. A 2018 aid transfer included tents, food, clothing, and baby supplies for people fleeing fighting in Daraa. The IDF ended the programme in September 2018. Israel’s Operation Good Neighbor ended in September 2018.
The Times of Israel’s report on the programme’s end records the scale and forms of assistance. Another report describes the June 2018 delivery to Syrians displaced near Daraa.