This report describes the SSRC’s role in the development of Syria’s chemical weapons and chemical weapon delivery systems, as well as the structure and operation of its procurement network.
Syria
Treasury Takes Aim at Staff of Key Syrian Proliferator
On April 24, 2017, the United States sanctioned 271 employees of Syria’s Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC) in response to the Assad government’s April 4 sarin gas attack in Khan Sheikoun. The designations aim to further punish SSRC itself, rather than the contribution of any single individual. As such, the action highlights SSRC's central role in Syria's non-conventional weapon programs.
Syria Chemical Weapons Update: Front Companies for Procurement – 2013
Syria’s chemical weapon stockpile is reported to be one of the largest in the Middle East. According to a study prepared by French intelligence agencies, Damascus is understood to possess over 1,000 tons of chemical agents and precursors. This stockpile is thought to include several tens of tons of VX, several hundred tons of mustard agents, and several hundred tons of sarin. The Washington Post reports that the majority of the initial substances for Syria’s VX and sarin are stored separately, not in their mixed, final form.
Syria Nuclear Milestones – 1963-2009
1963: Syria joins the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 1968: Syria signs the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). Mid- 1970s: The Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (ACES) is established. 1979: The…
Syria Missile Update – 2005
Since the Risk Report last looked at Syria’s missiles in 2000, Syria has continued to expand its arsenal, which now consists of many hundred liquid-fueled Scud-type missiles, as well as…
Syria Missile Milestones – 1972-2005
1972: Syria obtains FROG-7 missiles, launchers and reload vehicles from the Soviet Union. 1973: Syria launches FROG-7 missiles at Israeli airbases during the October war, with little success. 1976: The…
Syria Chemical Weapon Update – 1997
In February 1997, CIA Director George Tenet had little trouble telling Congress that Syria was among those countries that “have or are actively developing chemical and biological weapons.” Syria is…
Syria Missile Development
Today, Syria has one of the largest arsenals of surface-to-surface missiles in the Middle East, including hundreds of Scud missiles that can carry nuclear or chemical payloads to targets throughout…
Exports and Terrorism: U.S. Export Licenses to Iran and Syria: 1986-1990
From 1986 to 1990, the U-S. Commerce Department approved over $300 million worth of sensitive American exports to Iran and Syria. Most of these were “dual-use” items, capable of making…