19.03.2026 11:40
Turkey joined the task force established to support the efforts for the destruction of chemical weapon remnants in Syria in response to the invitation of the Syrian government.
An international task force has been established for the disposal of chemical weapon remnants left by the ousted Assad regime in Syria. The activities of the mechanism, which includes Turkey, were officially launched with a ceremony held in New York.
INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT PROCESS INITIATED
According to information obtained from sources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a decision was adopted on October 10, 2025, in the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to support the accelerated on-site disposal of chemical weapon remnants in Syria. Due to the Assad regime's secretive conduct of its chemical weapons program, the uncertainty of records, and a lack of capacity, a process was initiated with the support of the international community.
"BREATH OF FREEDOM TASK FORCE" ESTABLISHED
The Syrian government has established an international mechanism called the "Breath of Freedom Task Force" in cooperation with the OPCW for the detection, containment, and disposal of chemical weapon remnants. Turkey joined this task force at the invitation of Syria. The task force includes Turkey and Syria, as well as Qatar, the USA, the UK, France, Germany, Canada, and the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW.
TECHNICAL AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT TO BE PROVIDED ON THE GROUND
Within the scope of the task force, training and equipment support will be provided to ensure the safe conduct of field activities by Syrian teams. Additionally, the detection, safe storage, and disposal of chemical weapon remnants, as well as strengthening the health infrastructure against chemical risks, are targeted.
CONCRETE CONTRIBUTION FROM TURKEY
Previously, while Turkey was conducting humanitarian mine clearance activities in Syria, it also supported the disposal of unexploded ordnance. In this context, Turkey hosted a workshop in Ankara on February 16-17 with the participation of task force members and OPCW experts. The workshop addressed the technical and institutional needs necessary for the decontamination of Syria from chemical weapon remnants and developed support plans.
OFFICIAL START IN NEW YORK
Representing Turkey at the ceremony held in New York to symbolize the official start of the task force's activities was the Permanent Representative of Turkey to the United Nations, Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız.