The U.S. and its allies are closely monitoring Syria’s stockpiles of chemical arms and portable anti-aircraft missiles, a State Department official says, amid concerns that the country’s unconventional weapons could fall into the hands of terrorist or militant groups while the 11-month-old uprising continues.
“Syria is a country of significant proliferation concern, so we monitor its chemical weapons activities very closely,” the State Department official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence-related matters. “We believe Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile remains under Syrian government control, and we will continue to work closely with like-minded countries to impede proliferation (of) Syria’s chemical weapons program.”
The official added that the U.S. is in discussion with its allies on ways to ensure that Syria’s stockpile of portable anti-aircraft missiles, called Man-Portable Air Defense Systems, or MANPADS, aren’t stolen or diverted. “We are consulting with allies and partners as we plan for a variety of contingencies,” the official said.
Read more at Official Wire. By Douglas Birch, Associated Press
Please share this post with your friends and comment below. If you haven’t already, take a moment to sign up for our free newsletter above and friend us on Twitter and Facebook to get real time updates.
Follow @WestJournalism
Loading ...
[...] And Furious Sellout Controversy Builds »US “Very Closely” Watching Syrian Chemical WeaponsTweetThe U.S. and its allies are closely monitoring Syria’s stockpiles of chemical arms and [...]