Syria has started destroying Assad-era chemical weapon materials, UN envoy says

Syrian authorities have begun destroying Bashar al-Assad-era chemical weapon materials, marking the first such destruction process undertaken by the country in over a decade. The chemical weapons watchdog confirmed that 42 aerial bombs have been destroyed, a milestone that has not occurred in Syria since 2014.

The operation is taking place as former government officials face trial. International reactions to the development have been positive, with the United States urging continued cooperation while Russia and China have commended the progress made.