From January 2023 to February 2024 — The Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has released its Fourth Report, focusing on the use of chemical weapons during the 2015 incident in Marea, Aleppo Governorate, Syria.
The report outlines findings based on an extensive investigation into the use of sulfur mustard gas by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) during attacks on the town.
Establishing the IIT
The IIT was established on June 27, 2018, following the decision of the Conference of the States Parties titled Countering the Threat Posed by the Use of Chemical Weapons. Its mandate includes investigating incidents involving the use of chemical weapons in Syria, particularly those not previously addressed by the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism. Although the IIT lacks judicial authority to prosecute individuals, it serves to confirm incidents of non-compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
Marea Incident: Summary of Findings
The IIT’s investigation concluded that between 09:00 and 12:00 on September 1, 2015, ISIL forces carried out continuous attacks to seize control of Marea, deploying sulfur mustard gas via modified 122mm artillery shells.
Key findings include:
- Affected sites: Multiple locations in Marea were targeted, though no clear pattern of targeting was observed.
- Chemical payload: At least six artillery shells discharged a black, viscous substance with a pungent “garlic-like” odor.
- Health impact: Eleven individuals exposed to the substance displayed symptoms consistent with sulfur mustard poisoning.
- Source of attack: The IIT determined the attacks originated from ISIL-controlled areas, with ISIL alone possessing the means, motive, and capability to carry out the chemical assault.
Investigative Methodology
The IIT employed a rigorous methodology, using the international standard of “reasonable grounds” for its conclusions. The investigation incorporated a variety of sources, including:
- Analysis of 20,492 files (approximately 1 terabyte of data).
- Evaluation of 29 witness statements and 30 samples.
- Satellite imagery, frontline maps, video evidence, and photographs.
- Expert consultations and forensic reports.
All procedures adhered to strict OPCW protocols, ensuring proper chain of custody for evidence.
Cooperation and Challenges
While the IIT expressed appreciation for support from States Parties and other organizations, it highlighted the lack of cooperation from the Syrian Arab Republic. Requests for information submitted on December 11, 2023, and February 14, 2023, went unanswered. Despite these setbacks, the IIT successfully conducted its investigation and reached its conclusions based on available evidence.
Reporting and Future Use
The findings have been submitted to the OPCW Executive Council, the United Nations Secretary-General, and other relevant UN entities. The IIT’s primary objective is to provide factual findings for use by judicial and investigative bodies, ensuring accountability under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The full report, Findings of the Investigation and Identification Team on the 2015 Marea Incident, is available on the OPCW website. It underscores the IIT’s role as a Fact-Finding Mission (FFM), tasked with documenting violations rather than prosecuting offenders.
Context
The Marea incident highlights the ongoing challenges in eradicating chemical weapons use in conflict zones. While the IIT lacks prosecutorial powers, its findings serve as critical evidence for global accountability mechanisms aimed at enforcing international norms and deterring future chemical weapons use.
The report titled Findings of the Investigation and Identification Team in the 2015 Marea Incident conducted by the Independent Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) can be found at the following website.
It is important to note that the IIT is not a judicial body with the authority to prosecute individual criminals or groups, nor does it have the power to reach final conclusions. The main objective of the IIT is to confirm non-compliance with the Convention and establish facts.
chemical_attack chemical_weapons CWC FFM IIT ISIL ISIS MAREA opcw syria syria_chemical_attack
