Syria renews pledge to hold Ghouta chemical attackers accountable
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Abdulbasit Abdullatif, head of the National Authority for Transitional Justice, reaffirmed the commitment to hold accountable all those involved in the use of chemical weapons, including those who ordered or participated in carrying out the attacks.
In a post on X marking the anniversary of the Ghouta chemical massacre, Abdullatif said commemorating the victims was not limited to remembering them, but also served as a renewed pledge to pursue accountability for everyone involved in the crimes.
He stressed that uncovering the truth was a right of the victims, while justice and accountability were essential to preventing similar violations from recurring and ensuring that those responsible did not escape punishment.
The chemical attacks that struck Damascus’ Ghouta in 2013 were among the most prominent crimes committed against civilians during the rule of Syria’s former government. The use of internationally banned sarin gas killed and injured large numbers of residents.
In recent months, the Interior Ministry announced the arrest of several officers and officials linked to the chemical weapons file and the management of their storage facilities.
Those detained included Maj. Gen. Adnan Abboud Halwa, who was accused of being linked to the 2013 chemical attack on eastern Ghouta; Col. Ahmad Habib Ali, who specialized in chemical weapons and sarin gas storage facilities; and Brig. Gen. Khirdal Ahmad Diab, whom the ministry said was linked to operations that took place during his service at former security sites.
The Interior Ministry reaffirmed that it was continuing efforts to pursue those involved in the crimes and follow up on related cases, in preparation for referring them to the competent judicial authorities and holding them accountable in accordance with legal procedures.