France has issued a new international arrest warrant for the ousted Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, holding him accountable for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the country’s prolonged civil war.
Targeting 2013 Chemical Attacks
The warrant, which was signed on July 29, specifically targets Assad for his alleged role in the chemical attacks carried out in 2013.
- Incidents Cited: The attacks occurred on August 5, 2013, in Adra and Douma (wounding about 450 people), and on August 21 in Eastern Ghouta, where the gas allegedly killed more than 1,000 individuals, according to U.S. intelligence.
History of French Warrants and Assad’s Ouster
This marks the third international arrest warrant that French authorities have issued for the former Syrian leader:
- 2012 Homs Bombing: Warrants were previously issued concerning the bombing of a media center in Homs, which killed American journalist Marie Colvin and French photographer Remi Ochlik.
- 2017 Deraa Bombing: Warrants were also issued for the bombing of a civilian residential area in Deraa.
Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia last December, effectively ending the Baath party regime that had been in power since 1963. The administration of interim President Ahmad Sharaa was formed in January.
