The U.S. Sanctions 18 Syrian Officials in Connection with Chemical Weapons Use

The U.S. government on Thursday reacted to the release of reports by international observers regarding the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons in 2014 and 2015 by placing eighteen high-ranking government and military officials from Syria on its sanctions blacklist. According to Reuters, the U.S. Treasury Department stated that this is the first time the United States has sanctioned Syrian officials for their involvement in chemical attacks. An international team report from the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons published in August and October indicated that the Syrian government used chlorine gas three times against opponents. The report also stated that the Islamic State (ISIS) had used mustard gas. The international investigative team was tasked by the United Nations Security Council to investigate those who have used chemical weapons. This investigation pertained to attacks that occurred between 2014 and 2015. The Syrian government has denied any use of chlorine chemical weapons. Meanwhile, Ned Price, a spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, stated: 'We condemn in the strongest possible terms the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons.' The spokesperson added: 'The continued brutal attacks by the Assad regime demonstrate that this regime is in violation of human ethical standards, international commitments, and global norms.' Following the release of the international investigative team's report, Britain and France submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council last December, which imposed sanctions against Syria and 11 military officials from the country. Reuters notes that 10 of those sanctioned by the U.S. are also included in the French and British draft. So far, this draft has not been put to a vote, but diplomats say that Russia, a key ally of the Syrian government, will certainly oppose it. Vitaly Churkin, Russia's representative to the United Nations, stated in November that there is insufficient evidence regarding the chemical attacks. Syria joined the international convention prohibiting the use of chemical weapons in 2013 amid widespread allegations of using chemical weapons. Following an agreement between the U.S. and Russia, Damascus reported the locations of its stockpiles to international inspectors to remove and destroy the chemical weapons.