Netherlands provided security for OPCW visit to Syria

The Netherlands provided security for a visit by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to Syria’s interim government, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans wrote in a letter to the Tweede Kamer. The Dutch government will also handle security for any future OPCW visits to Syria.

Syria’s interim administration requested OPCW assistance in dismantling the chemical weapons stockpile left by former dictator Bashar al-Assad. OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias traveled to Damascus on Saturday to discuss the process with Syrian officials.

During his journey from Beirut and throughout his stay in Damascus, Arias was protected by the Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten (BSB), a specialized security unit of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. The team, armed and dressed in civilian clothing, accompanied him at all times. The ministers did not disclose how many security personnel were involved. The operation was authorized by both the Syrian and Lebanese governments.

Typically, the host country is responsible for the security of OPCW representatives. However, Syria’s interim government does not reportedly have the capacity to provide adequate protection at the moment, as its security forces are deployed elsewhere due to ongoing instability. As the host country of the OPCW, the Netherlands assumed responsibility for securing the visit.

Dutch officials anticipate that OPCW representatives may need to visit Syria more frequently in the future. If so, the Netherlands will continue to handle security, though this will depend on "further developments," according to the ministers.

The Dutch government did not inform the Tweede Kamer about the security mission beforehand, as the OPCW requested that the visit remain confidential until it had concluded for safety reasons. The ministers also stated that the mission was brief enough that the cabinet was not required to seek approval through an Article 100 letter, which is typically needed for military deployments abroad.