Syrian chem weapons nearly removed

According to Press TV on Thursday, a joint task force made up of the OPCW and a UN team of experts, said Syria has removed and destroyed 92.5 percent of its chemical weapons.

The joint mission known as OPCW-UN said in a statement: “Today’s operation brings the total of chemical material removed and destroyed to 92.5 percent.” The group noted that the Syrian government has destroyed buildings, equipment and empty mustard gas containers as well, adding, “A majority of storage and production sites are now closed.”

Syria has pledged to have its entire stockpile removed by the end of June. On September 14, 2013, Russia and the United States agreed on a deal under which Syria would have its chemical weapons eliminated and the US would in return not carry out planned strikes on the Arab country. Syria has been gripped by deadly violence since 2011. Over 150,000 people have reportedly been killed and millions displaced due to the violence fueled by Western-backed militants.
According to reports, the Western powers and their regional allies — especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey — are supporting the militants operating inside Syria.