OPCW releases its second report about the use of chemical weapons against civilians in Syrian conflict.

After releasing its first report on 8 April 2020, the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announced the arrival of its second report almost one year after, on 12 April 2021. The IIT is an internal sector of the organization that became responsible for identifying the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic, once that the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) had already indicated that chemical weapons had been used or likely used in Syria. The investigation and analysis of this team considered a series of elements, including the testimonies of local villagers who were present at the moment of the incidents, analysis of samples and remnants collected at the sites of the incidents, symptomatology reported by medical staff, examination of imagery, including satellite images, and extensive consultation of experts. The report concluded that there is significant evidence that attests that a military helicopter of the Syrian Arab Air Force dropped one cylinder, which ruptured and released a toxic substance called chlorine. It touched a large area, affecting 12 named individuals. For further information, please visit: https://www.opcw.org/media-centre/news/2021/04/opcw-releases-second-report-investigation-and-identification-team