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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)


April 2014 - Syria Special Weapons News

  • Syria: UN officials deplore 'endless spiral of targeting civilians for tactical purposes' UN News Centre 30 Apr 2014 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned 'in the strongest terms' the latest attacks in Syria – which left dozens of civilians dead or wounded from mortar fire and shelling in neighborhoods in Homs and Damascus – and called on the Government and opposition groups to resist provocations that could undermine peace efforts.
  • Syrian Air Strike Hits School, Killing 18, Many of Them Children VOA 30 Apr 2014 -- An air strike by Syrian fighter jets hit a school in the northern city of Aleppo on Wednesday, killing 18 people - many of them children.
  • UN chief strongly condemns latest attacks on civilians in Syria UN News Centre 30 Apr 2014 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned 'in the strongest terms' the latest attacks in Syria – which left dozens of civilians dead or wounded from mortar fire and shelling in neighborhoods in Homs and Damascus – and called on the Government and opposition groups to resist provocations that could undermine peace efforts.
  • Chemical watchdog announces probe into alleged chlorine gas attacks in Syria UN News Centre 29 Apr 2014 -- The head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said today it will seek to "establish the facts" surrounding allegations of the use of chlorine in Syria, where it is already working jointly with the United Nations to rid the country of its chemical weapons.
  • US to continue cooperating with Russia on Iran and Syria - State Department VoR 29 Apr 2014 -- Despite the US introducing sanctions against Russia, Washington will continue active cooperation with Moscow to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria. This was announced by Thomas Countryman, Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation at a press conference in New York.
  • Attacks Kill 50 in Syria VOA 29 Apr 2014 -- At least 50 people have been killed in bomb and mortar attacks in two Syrian cities.
  • Syria's Assad announces presidential bid Iran Press TV 28 Apr 2014 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has registered to stand in the country's upcoming presidential vote, the speaker of People's Assembly of Syria says.
  • Syria's Assad announces presidential bid Iran Press TV 28 Apr 2014 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has registered to stand in the country's upcoming presidential vote, the speaker of People's Assembly of Syria says.
  • Turkey gave Syria militants anti-tank missiles: Report Iran Press TV 28 Apr 2014 -- Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) provided foreign-backed militants in Syria with US-made anti-tank missiles, a local daily reports.
  • Syria Conflict Spurs Iran-Pakistan Talks VOA 28 Apr 2014 -- A senior Pakistani official is in Iran on an unscheduled visit, which comes amid reports Tehran is increasingly upset at Islamabad's alleged attempts to boost Saudi-backed support for Syrian rebels.
  • Iraq army targets militant convoy on Syria soil Iran Press TV 27 Apr 2014 -- Iraqi army helicopters have attacked a terrorist convoy inside Syria as it sought to come near the border, an Interior Ministry spokesman says.
  • Syria continues mop-up operations against militants Iran Press TV 27 Apr 2014 -- The Syrian army is pressing ahead with its mop-up operations against foreign-backed militants across the country, inflicting heavy losses on them.
  • 92.5% of Syria chemical arms removed: UN-OPCW mission Iran Press TV 27 Apr 2014 -- The joint mission of the UN and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) says Syria has succeeded in removing or destroying over 92 percent of its total chemical weapons stockpile.
  • As deadline passes, UN joint mission urges Syria to complete chemical weapons removal UN News Centre 27 Apr 2014 -- Nearly eight per cent of Syria's declared chemical weapons material remains on its territory and should be removed in the shortest possible timeframe, despite the difficult security situation, the head of the Joint Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations today urged.
  • Syria chemical deadline over, 8% of arsenal remains - OPCW VoR 27 Apr 2014 -- Syria still holds nearly 8 percent of its chemical weapons arsenal as the deadline expired Sunday for it to be handed over, the task force charged with the operation said.
  • Syria forces regain control of area in Aleppo Iran Press TV 26 Apr 2014 -- Syrian government forces have taken control of an area near the northern city of Aleppo, as they continue their push to free more areas from foreign-backed militants.
  • Western intelligence agencies assume Syria can still produce chemical weapons VoR 26 Apr 2014 -- Syria maintains an ability to deploy chemical weapons, diplomats say, citing intelligence from Britain, France and the United States that could strengthen allegations Syria's military recently used chlorine gas in its bloody civil war.
  • Syria militants suffers heavy losses across Aleppo Iran Press TV 25 Apr 2014 -- Syrian army forces have managed to kill a number of foreign-backed militants in operations across the northern province of Aleppo, Syrian national media report.
  • Syria army retakes parts of town in Hama suburbs Iran Press TV 25 Apr 2014 -- Syrian forces have managed to retake control of parts of a town in Syria's west-central Hama Province as the army continues to make more gains in the fight against Takfiri militants.
  • US heavy weapons in hands of Syria militants: Report Iran Press TV 25 Apr 2014 -- New evidence suggests that the United States may be secretly giving American-made "heavy weapons" to militant groups fighting against the Syrian government, according to a new report.
  • Russia Dismisses Claims of Syrian Army Poison Gas Attack RIA Novosti 25 Apr 2014 -- Russia has reliable information that accusations the Syrian army recently used poison gas are false, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday.
  • Information confirming Damascus using chemical gas is false – Russian Foreign Ministry VoR 25 Apr 2014 -- Moscow has reliable information rendering confirmation of Damascus allegedly using poisonous gas as false, Russia Foreign Ministry states, RIA reports. Accusations that the Syrian Army allegedly used poisonous chemical gases continue to be fabricated. According to reliable information, the Russian side has, such allegations are false, the Ministry said.
  • Syria: OPCW-UN confirms progress in removing, destroying chemical weapons UN News Centre 24 Apr 2014 -- More than 90 per cent of Syria's chemical weapons material has been removed and destroyed in country, the head of the Joint Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations today confirmed.
  • Syria rejects new accusation of using chemical arms Iran Press TV 24 Apr 2014 -- Syria has categorically denied new accusations by the foreign-backed Syrian opposition that Damascus has used chemical arms in its fight against extremist militants in the country.
  • Syria: UN chiefs issue impassioned plea to save besieged civilians UN News Centre 23 Apr 2014 -- Calling urgently on Syrian authorities and the opposition to allow aid access, end siege warfare and halt the indiscriminate bombing of civilians, the top United Nations humanitarian officials today also issued a strong challenge to "those with the responsibility, power and influence" to find the courage to re-energize a thus-far failed diplomatic push to end the brutal three-year conflict.
  • Syria chemical disarmament 'going very well' - Lavrov VoR 23 Apr 2014 -- The process of Syria's chemical disarmament is going on smoothly, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told RT TV channel Wednesday. 'We signed a deal on the chemical disarmament of Syria. The process has been going very well,' Lavrov said in English, citing satisfactory assessments by the UN and OPCW personnel participating in the process.
  • Over 86% of chemicals removed from Syria - OPCW VoR 22 Apr 2014 -- Over 86 percent of chemicals have been removed from Syria up to date, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said on Tuesday, April 22. 'The chemicals were immediately boarded onto cargo ships upon arrival at the port and removed from the country,' the OPCW said.
  • Syria Sets Presidential Election Amid Reports of Chemical Weapons Use VOA 22 Apr 2014 -- Syria has announced that it will hold presidential elections June 3, despite an ongoing civil war that has killed more than 150,000 people in the past three years and forced about 1.5 million to flee. The announcement comes as the West investigates rebel allegations that the government has been using chemical weapons against the opposition.
  • UN cautions Syria against holding presidential election amidst ongoing 'tragedy’ UN News Centre 21 Apr 2014 -- Urging Syrian authorities to reconsider plans to conduct a presidential election in early June, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Joint UN-League of Arab States Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi today pledged to continue to seek and build on any opportunity to resolve the country’s three-year civil war.
  • US Investigating Possible Chemical Attack in Syria VOA 21 Apr 2014 -- The United States says it has indications that toxic chemicals were released in a rebel area in Syria this month.
  • Syria starts registration of presidential hopefuls Iran Press TV 21 Apr 2014 -- People's Assembly of Syria has called on candidates to register for the country's upcoming presidential elections.
  • Syria to hold presidential elections on June 3 - parliament speaker VoR 21 Apr 2014 -- Syria is set to hold presidential elections on June 3, despite a raging civil war that has killed more than 150,000 people, the country's parliamentary speaker said on Monday.
  • IRGC commander: Iran only has military attachés in Syria IRNA 20 Apr 2014 -- A senior military commander dismissed the allegations that Iran is directly involved in Syria war, reiterating that although the Damascus governments recent victories were indebted to Irans strategy, Tehran has only military attaches in the country.
  • Syria army conducts operations against militants Iran Press TV 20 Apr 2014 -- The Syrian army has conducted successful operations against foreign-backed Takfiri militants fighting against the government across the country.
  • Syrian president visits Christian town of Ma'loula on Easter Iran Press TV 20 Apr 2014 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has visited the recently recaptured Christian town of Ma'loula on the occasion of Easter.
  • 80% of Syrian chemical weapons shipped out - OPCW VoR 20 Apr 2014 -- Syria has shipped out or destroyed approximately 80 percent of its declared chemical weapons material, the head of the international team overseeing the disarmament process said. Sigrid Kaag, special coordinator of the joint mission of the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), said if the momentum was sustained, Syria should be able to meet its April 27 deadline to hand over all declared chemical agents.
  • OPCW-UN mission reports further progress in eliminating Syria's chemical weapons UN News Centre 19 Apr 2014 -- Syria has, as of 19 April, removed or destroyed in-country approximately 80 per cent of its chemical weapons material, the head of the Joint Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations announced today.
  • Syria: UN agency warns no food left in besieged Palestinian refugee camp UN News Centre 19 Apr 2014 -- The United Nations has renewed its demand for unimpeded humanitarian access to the besieged Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmouk, warning that there is no UN food aid left there as of Saturday given that the recent escalation fighting between the parties to the Syrian conflict has prevented the delivery of desperately needed assistance.
  • Syria tightening noose around militants in Homs Iran Press TV 18 Apr 2014 -- Syrian government forces make fresh advances in their battle against foreign-backed militants in the western city of Homs as clashes continue between the two sides in the county's north.
  • Syria's negotiator Brahimi says Homs once again a 'theatre of death' VoR 17 Apr 2014 -- International mediator Lakhdar Brahimi said on Thursday that a deal between trapped fighters and civilians in Homs city and the Syrian authorities had broken down, as government forces appeared close to retaking the besieged opposition area.
  • UN-Arab League Envoy urges fresh talks with besieged Syrians, authorities UN News Centre 17 Apr 2014 -- Regretting the abrupt halt in talks between the Syrian authorities and the negotiating committee representing civilians and fighters trapped in the Old City of Homs, United Nations-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi today urged all the parties to return to the negotiating table and complete the deal that had been on the verge of being signed.
  • Vehicles hit by Jordan air strikes not Syria army's - Syrian official VoR 16 Apr 2014 -- Vehicles hit by Jordanian air strikes on the border on Wednesday did not belong to the Syrian army, Syrian state media said, citing a military source. 'No military or armored vehicles belonging to the Syrian army moved towards the Jordanian border, and so what was targeted by the Jordanian air force does not belong to the Syrian army,' state television said in a breaking news alert.
  • Jordan says it destroyed armoured vehicles possibly crossing from Syria VoR 16 Apr 2014 -- Jordanian air force fighter jets destroyed a number of armoured vehicles on Wednesday as they tried to cross into the kingdom from neighbouring Syria, the army said. 'Royal air force jets fighters today destroyed a number of vehicles that attempted to cross into Jordan from Syria,' the army said in a brief statement, without elaborating.
  • Syrian Army troops liberate town near capital Iran Press TV 15 Apr 2014 -- Syrian Army troops continue to gain ground in their fight against foreign-backed armed groups, and have taken full control of a town in northeast of the capital Damascus.
  • Syria: UN-OPCW mission expects 'intensified efforts' as chemical weapons deadline slips UN News Centre 14 Apr 2014 -- Concerned that Syria has missed the 13 April deadline to remove most of its chemical agents, the Joint Mission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations (OPCW-UN) says that it expects "an intensification of efforts" towards meeting the goal of removing all the country's chemical weapons by the end of the month.
  • UN: Detainees Tortured in Syria VOA 14 Apr 2014 -- The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay is condemning what she says is the widespread and systematic use of torture in detention facilities in Syria. A report just issued by her office finds detainees are routinely tortured by the government of Bashar Al-Assad and by some armed opposition groups.
  • OPCW Chief Hopes for Timely Destruction of Syrian Chemical Arsenal RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2014 -- The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will expend all effort to guarantee shipments of chemical weapons out of Syria are completed on schedule by the middle of this year, OPCW Director General Ahmet Üzümcü said Monday.
  • Moscow Alarmed by Reports of New Poison Gas Attack in Syria - Lavrov RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov voiced concerns Monday about reports of the recent use of chemical weapons in Syria, calling for an investigation into the matter.
  • UN rights chief condemns rampant use of torture by Syrian forces, opposition groups UN News Centre 14 Apr 2014 -- The United Nations human rights chief today condemned the rampant use of torture, including allegedly of children, in detention facilities across Syria by Government forces and some armed opposition groups.
  • OPCW: Syria Sends Out More Chemicals, Must Increase Pace VOA 14 Apr 2014 -- The international group overseeing ridding Syria of chemical weapons says 65 percent of the country's declared stockpile has now been removed, but that the pace must be sped up.
  • Syria troops retake Christian town of Maalula VoR 14 Apr 2014 -- Syrian troops retook the ancient Christian town of Maalula from rebels Monday, a day after President Bashar al-Assad said the three-year old civil war was turning in his favor.
  • Syria army conducts operations against militants Iran Press TV 13 Apr 2014 -- The Syrian army has conducted successful operations against foreign-backed Takfiri militants across the country, killing many of them.
  • Syria war shifts in favor of government forces: Assad Iran Press TV 13 Apr 2014 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the war in the country has shifted strongly in favor of government forces fighting against foreign-sponsored militants.
  • Militant infighting in Syria leaves 90 dead Iran Press TV 11 Apr 2014 -- A fresh outbreak of infighting between foreign-backed Takfiri militants in Syria has left nearly 90 people dead, most of them from militants' ranks.
  • Russian warship aids Syrian chemical weapons removal - ministry VoR 11 Apr 2014 -- The heavy nuclear cruiser Pyotr Velikiy has taken part in another operation to ensure safety during transportation of Syrian chemical weapons, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
  • Ongoing siege against civilians reveals Syrian parties contempt for human life UN official UN News Centre 10 Apr 2014 -- Speaking out strongly against yesterdays deadly car bomb attacks on a busy shopping street in the Syrian city of Homs, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator said such brutality serves to remind us again of the contempt the parties to this conflict show for human life.
  • Infighting erupts between al-Qaeda-linked groups in Syria Iran Press TV 10 Apr 2014 -- Infighting rages on between al-Qaeda-linked groups near a Syrian town on the border with Iraq, reports say.
  • US could supply Syrian rebels with anti-tank weapons to increase pressure on Assad VoR 10 Apr 2014 -- Supplying Syrian opposition forces with the anti-tank weapons (TOW) is an indication of a major transition in US Middle Eastern policy and could be used as tool to unobtrusively exercise pressure on current regime, Carnegie's senior Middle East analyst told RIA Novosti.
  • Syria army regains control of Rankus: Report Iran Press TV 09 Apr 2014 -- The Syrian army forces have regained control of the western city of Rankus in the country's strategic Qalamoun region from foreign-backed militants, state media reports say.
  • 'Risky' operation brings aid to besieged Syrians in eastern Aleppo, UN agency reports UN News Centre 09 Apr 2014 -- The United Nations refugee agency and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) said today it managed to bring humanitarian aid to a besieged neighbourhood in eastern Aleppo, an area that had been cut off from assistance since last June.
  • Lebanon Prelates Urge End to Syrian Weapons Sales VOA 09 Apr 2014 -- A high-level Christian delegation from Lebanon is calling for nations to stop selling arms to the warring factions in Syria. The prelates say these weapons are fueling the war and impeding peace efforts.
  • UN agency assists record number of Syrians amidst rising fears of drought impact UN News Centre 08 Apr 2014 -- While noting that the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) provided assistance to a record 4 million Syrians in March, a new report out today highlights that, with only one month left in the rainy season, a potential drought may strain the country's already fragile food security situation.
  • Almost 59% of Syria's stockpiles of toxic agents removed, destroyed - ministry VoR 08 Apr 2014 -- Following a forced break in the destruction of Syrian chemical arsenals prompted by militant activities, this operation has been resumed, and almost 59% of all toxic agents held by the Syrian authorities have been destroyed, Interfax reports.
  • Syria: Ban condemns spiralling violence, urges warring parties to halt violence 'now' UN News Centre 08 Apr 2014 -- Amid surging violence across Syria, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the killing of an elderly priest in Homs and the ongoing brutality against the civilian population, and urged all Syrians and their outside supporters to put a stop to this conflict, "now."
  • Looming Drought In Syria Puts Millions at Risk VOA 08 Apr 2014 -- The World Food Program is warning a looming drought in conflict-ridden Syria could put millions of lives at risk. A special WFP report published Tuesday focuses on the likely impact of a potential drought.
  • Hersh: Turkey behind Syria sarin attack Iran Press TV 07 Apr 2014 -- American investigative journalist Seymour Hersh says Turkey was behind last year's sarin gas attack carried out by foreign-backed insurgents in Syria.
  • Lack of Funds Limits Aid to Displaced Syrians VOA 07 Apr 2014 -- The United Nations reports its multi-billion dollar appeal to assist millions of Syrians displaced by conflict remains seriously underfunded. The U.N. warns this funding shortfall is triggering tensions between refugees and the communities hosting them.
  • Premature car bomb blast kills 29 militants in Syria Iran Press TV 06 Apr 2014 -- At least 29 foreign-backed militants have been killed in Syria while preparing a car bomb in the central part of the Arab country.
  • Militants fire mortar shells at Syrian capital Iran Press TV 05 Apr 2014 -- Foreign-backed militants in Syria have fired mortar shells at several areas in the capital, Damascus, with one landing near the Russian Embassy, reports say.
  • Al-Qaida Chief Calls for End to Rebel Infighting in Syria VOA 05 Apr 2014 -- Al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahiri is calling on Islamist rebels in Syria to end the infighting that killed his chief representative in the civil war-torn country.
  • Syria planes pound militant positions in Mleiha Iran Press TV 04 Apr 2014 -- Syrian troops have launched an offensive against the militants holed up in the town of Mleiha, east of Damascus, as part of the army's push to take control of the militant-held town.
  • President Assad says Syria must defeat terrorism Iran Press TV 03 Apr 2014 -- Syria's President Bashar al-Assad says Syrian people have no choice but to triumph over foreign-backed militants and extremist theoreticians in the country.
  • 'Syria conflict has had tragic impact' Iran Press TV 03 Apr 2014 -- A United Nations survey has pointed to massive damage inflicted in Syria as a result of the foreign-backed militancy in the country.
  • Syria army strikes militants hard Iran Press TV 03 Apr 2014 -- Syrian forces have carried out new operations across the country against militants, inflicting heavy losses on them.
  • The number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon surpasses one million – UN agency UN News Centre 03 Apr 2014 -- Now in its fourth year, the Syrian conflict hit yet another bleak milestone today, as the United Nations refugee agency reported that the number of displaced seeking refuge in neighbouring Lebanon has passed the one million mark, putting more pressure on a host community that is already stretched to the breaking point.
  • UN: Lebanon Now Hosting 1 Million Syrian Refugees VOA 03 Apr 2014 -- The United Nations refugee agency said Lebanon is now hosting more than 1 million Syrian refugees who have fled their country's three-year-old crisis.
  • Over 150,000 people killed in Syria conflict: Report Iran Press TV 02 Apr 2014 -- At least 150,000 people have been killed in the foreign-sponsored militancy that started against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad three years ago, a report says.
  • Syrian army tightens noose around militants Iran Press TV 02 Apr 2014 -- The Syrian army continues mop-up operations, tightening the noose around foreign-backed militants in several areas across the country.
  • Russia to Send Humanitarian Aid to Syrian Armenians Abused by Militants in Kessab RIA Novosti 02 Apr 2014 -- Russia will send humanitarian aid to Syrian Armenians who suffered abuse from local militants in Kessab within several days, Sergei Stepashin, Chairman of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society (IOPS ), told RIA Novosti Wednesday.
  • Turkey army fires artillery into Syria: Report Iran Press TV 01 Apr 2014 -- Turkish army has fired artillery into the Syrian territory following an incident when a rocket from the Arab country hit a mosque in Turkey.



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