Syria discovers large chemical weapons stockpiles from Assad regime era

Syrian authorities have discovered extensive stockpiles of chemical weapons left behind by the Assad regime in areas around the cities of Hama, Homs, and Latakia. The weapons found include the same types used in chemical attacks during 2013 and 2017, when the Assad government was accused of deploying such weapons against opposition areas and civilians. Syrian authorities have arrested 18 people in connection with the discoveries. The finds represent significant evidence of the Assad regime's chemical weapons program, which was a major source of international condemnation throughout Syria's civil war that began in 2011 and led to Assad's recent overthrow by rebel forces.