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Syria crisis: chemical weapon warning - live updates Syria crisis: chemical weapon warning - live updates
(40 minutes later)
12.41pm: The Syrian army has taken almost full control of central Damascus, a resident of the capital told the Guardian.
The resident, who did not want to be named, lives in the Midan district and describes himself as "just a normal Syrian citizen". He said:
Midan is back to normal. There were some militias who tried to control the neighbourhood, but the army came in. The [rebel] fighters were from outside Midan. Now it is free of all military opposition presence.
He claimed that even at the height of their presence in the area last Thursday night, the Free Syrian Army were never fully in control of the whole distrtict, as some activists claimed.
The resident added: "Militia are getting more and more weapons and money from outside. They are getting stronger and that's clear. Nobody knows what will happen in the future."
He also doubted activists claims that rebels were executed in Midan.
I can't confirm or deny it. But I don't think execute is the right word. These people are fighters. They are not civilians. If they were killed it doesn't mean they were executed, and they were not captured and then killed. They were killed during the operation.
The nearby neighbourhood of Mezzeh is not under fully under government control, he said. An orchard area on the eastern side of the district, has become a rebel hideout, he said.
He added:
People are being encouraged to come back to Damascus. There's been a big media campaign by al-Jazeera and al-Arabiya making people believe that the whole area was under rebel control, but they only controlled some streets.
Asked about the whereabouts of President Assad, he said:
I know he is in Damascus. The new minister of defence took the oath of office in the presidential palace with the the president. This is the same room they have used for years.
11.52am: The Turkey-based leader of the Free Syrian Army, Colonel Riad al-Asaad has attempted to re-establish his control of the disparate organisation.11.52am: The Turkey-based leader of the Free Syrian Army, Colonel Riad al-Asaad has attempted to re-establish his control of the disparate organisation.
In a new video message he said: "Zero hour will be announced by me, personally, and I will announce it soon."In a new video message he said: "Zero hour will be announced by me, personally, and I will announce it soon."
Asaad's authority has been repeatedly challenged by commanders based in Syria. His latest comment appears to be addressed to Homs-based Colonel Qassim Saadedine, who last week declared the start of what he called "operation volcano" in Damascus.Asaad's authority has been repeatedly challenged by commanders based in Syria. His latest comment appears to be addressed to Homs-based Colonel Qassim Saadedine, who last week declared the start of what he called "operation volcano" in Damascus.
Saadedine also claimed that the FSA carried out last week's assassinations in Damascus.
/> 		Saadedine also claimed that the FSA carried out last week's assassinations in Damascus.
11.31am: Makdissi's comments on chemical weapons were contradictory in at least two ways. He cast doubt on the existence of chemical stockpiles, but also said they were under guard.11.31am: Makdissi's comments on chemical weapons were contradictory in at least two ways. He cast doubt on the existence of chemical stockpiles, but also said they were under guard.
The state news agency, Sana, put it this way:The state news agency, Sana, put it this way:
Foreign and expatriates ministry spokesman, Jihad Makdissi, on Monday stressed that Syria will not use any chemical weapons, if they exist, during the internal crisis in Syria ...Foreign and expatriates ministry spokesman, Jihad Makdissi, on Monday stressed that Syria will not use any chemical weapons, if they exist, during the internal crisis in Syria ...
He stressed that any chemical weapons are monitored and guarded by the Syrian Arab Army and will only be used in case of external aggression on SyriaHe stressed that any chemical weapons are monitored and guarded by the Syrian Arab Army and will only be used in case of external aggression on Syria
Makdissi also both attempted to reassure Syrians that chemicals weapons would not be used domestically, but that they would be used against any foreign intervention.Makdissi also both attempted to reassure Syrians that chemicals weapons would not be used domestically, but that they would be used against any foreign intervention.
Here's the Reuters report on his comments:Here's the Reuters report on his comments:
Syria will only use its chemical weapons if it faces "external aggression", but will never use them against its civilians, the country's foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday.Syria will only use its chemical weapons if it faces "external aggression", but will never use them against its civilians, the country's foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday.
"Syria will never use (chemical weapons) against Syrians no matter what," Jihad Makdissi told a news conference that was aired on state television."Syria will never use (chemical weapons) against Syrians no matter what," Jihad Makdissi told a news conference that was aired on state television.
BSyria commented:BSyria commented:
Chemical weapons are only for foreigners. As for Syrian citizens, we have dedicated tanks & attack helicopters. Via @Bashar__AssadChemical weapons are only for foreigners. As for Syrian citizens, we have dedicated tanks & attack helicopters. Via @Bashar__Assad
— BSyria (@BSyria) July 23, 2012— BSyria (@BSyria) July 23, 2012
11.15am: Salman Shaikh, director of the Brookings Doha Centre, offers this instant analysis of Makdissi's comments:11.15am: Salman Shaikh, director of the Brookings Doha Centre, offers this instant analysis of Makdissi's comments:
"Rational" Makdisi & his regime: message to Israel & US - Don't worry,we won't use chemical & biological weapons, so don't depose us. #Syria"Rational" Makdisi & his regime: message to Israel & US - Don't worry,we won't use chemical & biological weapons, so don't depose us. #Syria
— Salman Shaikh (@Salman_Shaikh1) July 23, 2012— Salman Shaikh (@Salman_Shaikh1) July 23, 2012
Note #Assad regime's commitment not to use chemical & biolog weapons came cos US (& Israel) were really serious abt the consequences. #SyriaNote #Assad regime's commitment not to use chemical & biolog weapons came cos US (& Israel) were really serious abt the consequences. #Syria
— Salman Shaikh (@Salman_Shaikh1) July 23, 2012— Salman Shaikh (@Salman_Shaikh1) July 23, 2012
11.01am: Syria's foreign ministry spokesman, Jihad Makdissi, said chemical weapons will not be used unless Syria comes under a foreign attack.11.01am: Syria's foreign ministry spokesman, Jihad Makdissi, said chemical weapons will not be used unless Syria comes under a foreign attack.
Speaking to reporters in Damascus he said Syria's chemical weapons were guarded and monitored by the army. His comment represent the first public confirmation that Syria has such weapons.Speaking to reporters in Damascus he said Syria's chemical weapons were guarded and monitored by the army. His comment represent the first public confirmation that Syria has such weapons.
Makdissi also claimed that the security situation in the capital is improving and will return to normal within days.Makdissi also claimed that the security situation in the capital is improving and will return to normal within days.
9.56am: Diplomatic roundup:9.56am: Diplomatic roundup:
• The European Union has agreed to strengthen its arms embargo and increase sanctions again against the Assad regime, Reuters reports. Speaking after a meeting of foreign minister EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said:• The European Union has agreed to strengthen its arms embargo and increase sanctions again against the Assad regime, Reuters reports. Speaking after a meeting of foreign minister EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said:
These sanctions are important because they will allow ships to be examined to see what cargo they're carrying, and that will prevent, I hope, any arms reaching Syria.These sanctions are important because they will allow ships to be examined to see what cargo they're carrying, and that will prevent, I hope, any arms reaching Syria.
• Israeli has confirmed that its leaders have discussed with US officials how to manage a Syrian government collapse, AP reports. An official said: "You can presume that these sorts of issues came up with American officials when they visited recently in Israel."• Israeli has confirmed that its leaders have discussed with US officials how to manage a Syrian government collapse, AP reports. An official said: "You can presume that these sorts of issues came up with American officials when they visited recently in Israel."
• UN blogger Nabil Abi Saab, claims the Arab League's decision to change Kofi Annan's mission in Syria (see 9.10am) represents the end of the joint envoy's mission.• UN blogger Nabil Abi Saab, claims the Arab League's decision to change Kofi Annan's mission in Syria (see 9.10am) represents the end of the joint envoy's mission.
9.47am: Rebel troops have been filmed capturing a government tank in the Shakour district of Aleppo.9.47am: Rebel troops have been filmed capturing a government tank in the Shakour district of Aleppo.
The clip was highlighted by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.The clip was highlighted by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The activist group the Local Coordination Committees in Syria reported renewed government shelling of the area today.The activist group the Local Coordination Committees in Syria reported renewed government shelling of the area today.
9.10am: Qatar's prime minister, Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, said Arab nations are willing to offer Bashar al-Assad safe passage if he steps down.9.10am: Qatar's prime minister, Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, said Arab nations are willing to offer Bashar al-Assad safe passage if he steps down.
Speaking to al-Jazeera after a meeting of the Arab League in Doha, he said: "We ask Bashar al-Assad to step down and safe haven for him."Speaking to al-Jazeera after a meeting of the Arab League in Doha, he said: "We ask Bashar al-Assad to step down and safe haven for him."
He also said the Arab League agreed to $100m for Syrian refugees and that it wanted to change Kofi Annan's mission to focus on political transition.He also said the Arab League agreed to $100m for Syrian refugees and that it wanted to change Kofi Annan's mission to focus on political transition.
The meeting also called on the Syrian opposition and the Free Syrian Army to form a transitional government to ensure a smooth transition of power, according to Bloomberg, citing remarks by Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled al-Sabah, Kuwait's deputy prime minister.The meeting also called on the Syrian opposition and the Free Syrian Army to form a transitional government to ensure a smooth transition of power, according to Bloomberg, citing remarks by Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled al-Sabah, Kuwait's deputy prime minister.
8.46am: More international journalists have made their way into Syria to report on the escalating conflict.8.46am: More international journalists have made their way into Syria to report on the escalating conflict.
• Sky's Stuart Ramsay confirms that the Free Syrian Army has taken control of Azzaz close to the Turkish border.• Sky's Stuart Ramsay confirms that the Free Syrian Army has taken control of Azzaz close to the Turkish border.
What a battle this has been. It ended a couple of days ago but the centre of town is still smoking. The streets are littered with the debris of war.What a battle this has been. It ended a couple of days ago but the centre of town is still smoking. The streets are littered with the debris of war.
• The BBC's Paul Wood is in a rebel-held town close to Damascus.• The BBC's Paul Wood is in a rebel-held town close to Damascus.
The town is under bombardment again.The town is under bombardment again.
People are determined; they have astonishingly high morale. But they have Kalashnikovs while the regime has the heavy weapons. That much has not changed since last week.People are determined; they have astonishingly high morale. But they have Kalashnikovs while the regime has the heavy weapons. That much has not changed since last week.
• Channel 4's Alex Thomson is on a government-approved stint in Damascus. He describeswh possible interpretations of clashes around a hospital in the capital:• Channel 4's Alex Thomson is on a government-approved stint in Damascus. He describeswh possible interpretations of clashes around a hospital in the capital:
First – it was the rebels assaulting a well-known landmark, clearly identified as the biggest military hospital in the capital of Syria.First – it was the rebels assaulting a well-known landmark, clearly identified as the biggest military hospital in the capital of Syria.
Second – the Syrian government had been using this hospital as a vantage and firing point, hence those machine gun nests on the roof, thus turning a hospital into a legitimate target for the rebels.Second – the Syrian government had been using this hospital as a vantage and firing point, hence those machine gun nests on the roof, thus turning a hospital into a legitimate target for the rebels.
Third – I suppose it's not impossible that the whole thing was somehow staged to make us believe that the hospital was in fact under attack. Thought the incoming rounds and the sound of helicopter gunships to strafe the area certainly make this look far-fetched.Third – I suppose it's not impossible that the whole thing was somehow staged to make us believe that the hospital was in fact under attack. Thought the incoming rounds and the sound of helicopter gunships to strafe the area certainly make this look far-fetched.
8.39am: Syrian state TV has broadcast images of the bodies of what it claimed were terrorists from Egypt and Jordan, who were killed during a weekend offensive against the rebel stronghold of Qaboun in north-west Damascus.8.39am: Syrian state TV has broadcast images of the bodies of what it claimed were terrorists from Egypt and Jordan, who were killed during a weekend offensive against the rebel stronghold of Qaboun in north-west Damascus.
The state news agency Sana has published graphic images of the bodies and identity cards of those killed.The state news agency Sana has published graphic images of the bodies and identity cards of those killed.
It said they were killed by Syrian troops when they were "clearing" Qaboun.It said they were killed by Syrian troops when they were "clearing" Qaboun.
8.24am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.8.24am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments and analysis:Here's a roundup of the latest developments and analysis:
• Syrian troops have driven rebel fighters out of two districts of Damascus, retaking Mezzeh and Barzeh, Reuters reports. In Barzeh, members of the Syrian army's Fourth Division under the command of President Bashar al-Assad's brother executed several young men during an operation to regain control of the northern Damascus district, a witness and activists said.• Syrian troops have driven rebel fighters out of two districts of Damascus, retaking Mezzeh and Barzeh, Reuters reports. In Barzeh, members of the Syrian army's Fourth Division under the command of President Bashar al-Assad's brother executed several young men during an operation to regain control of the northern Damascus district, a witness and activists said.
• Free Syrian Army fighters battled government troops near the main intelligence base in Syria's second city of Aleppo. Opposition sources said fighters from rural areas around Aleppo had been converging on the city of 3 million people near the border with Turkey. The rebel Tawhid Battalion said in a video statement that a battle to "liberate Aleppo" had begun.• Free Syrian Army fighters battled government troops near the main intelligence base in Syria's second city of Aleppo. Opposition sources said fighters from rural areas around Aleppo had been converging on the city of 3 million people near the border with Turkey. The rebel Tawhid Battalion said in a video statement that a battle to "liberate Aleppo" had begun.
• The outbreak of violence in Aleppo is arguably more significant than last week's assassinations, says Robert Fisk in the Independent. • The outbreak of violence in Aleppo is arguably more significant than last week's assassinations, says Robert Fisk in the Independent.
While the drama of last week's assault on Bashar al-Assad's regime in Damascus stunned the Arab world, the sudden outbreak of violence in Aleppo this weekend was in one way far more important. For Aleppo is the richest city in Syria – infinitely more so than Damascus – and if the revolution has now touched this centre of wealth, then the tacit agreement between the Alawite-controlled government and the Sunni middle classes must truly be cracking.While the drama of last week's assault on Bashar al-Assad's regime in Damascus stunned the Arab world, the sudden outbreak of violence in Aleppo this weekend was in one way far more important. For Aleppo is the richest city in Syria – infinitely more so than Damascus – and if the revolution has now touched this centre of wealth, then the tacit agreement between the Alawite-controlled government and the Sunni middle classes must truly be cracking.
• Every grave violation of children in conflict, as defined by the UN, has been committed by one side or the other to this conflict, according to a new report by War Child. The report says:• Every grave violation of children in conflict, as defined by the UN, has been committed by one side or the other to this conflict, according to a new report by War Child. The report says:
Neither side in this conflict has distinguished itself by protecting children in the areas they control. The Assad regime and the militias it sponsors have shot, detained, tortured and sexually abused children throughout the 16 months since the uprising began. But opposition forces also stand charged with including children in their ranks, and failing to properly protect children when engaging in hostilities in civilian areas.Neither side in this conflict has distinguished itself by protecting children in the areas they control. The Assad regime and the militias it sponsors have shot, detained, tortured and sexually abused children throughout the 16 months since the uprising began. But opposition forces also stand charged with including children in their ranks, and failing to properly protect children when engaging in hostilities in civilian areas.
• The Obama administration is increasing aid to the rebels and redoubling efforts to rally a coalition to forcibly bring down the government of President Bashar al-Assad, American officials have told the New York Times. It quoted one unnamed official as saying: "You'll notice in the last couple of months, the opposition has been strengthened. Now we're ready to accelerate that."• The Obama administration is increasing aid to the rebels and redoubling efforts to rally a coalition to forcibly bring down the government of President Bashar al-Assad, American officials have told the New York Times. It quoted one unnamed official as saying: "You'll notice in the last couple of months, the opposition has been strengthened. Now we're ready to accelerate that."
• Israel's prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, warned that his country would "have to act" if the Syrian regime collapsed and there was a risk its chemical weapons could fall into the hands of militant groups. In an interview on Fox News, Netanyahu said: "We certainly don't want to be exposed to chemical weapons falling into the hands of Hezbollah or some other terror groups. ... It's a great threat."• Israel's prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, warned that his country would "have to act" if the Syrian regime collapsed and there was a risk its chemical weapons could fall into the hands of militant groups. In an interview on Fox News, Netanyahu said: "We certainly don't want to be exposed to chemical weapons falling into the hands of Hezbollah or some other terror groups. ... It's a great threat."
• An activist group claims that more than 2,750 people have been killed in Syria so far this month, bringing the death toll since the conflict began to more than 19,000. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said if the current rate of killing continued until the end of July, it would be the deadliest month since the Syrian uprising erupted in March 2011.• An activist group claims that more than 2,750 people have been killed in Syria so far this month, bringing the death toll since the conflict began to more than 19,000. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said if the current rate of killing continued until the end of July, it would be the deadliest month since the Syrian uprising erupted in March 2011.
• There a five reasons why the Assad regime will not try to set up an Alawite state in the mountains of the north-west, as some have suggested, argues Syria-watcher Joshua Landis. • There a five reasons why the Assad regime will not try to set up an Alawite state in the mountains of the north-west, as some have suggested, argues Syria-watcher Joshua Landis.
1. The Alawites have tried to get out of the mountains and into the cities since the end of the Ottoman era.
2. The Assads planned to solve the sectarian problem in Syria by integrating the Alawites into Syria.
3. Assad has done nothing to lay the groundwork for an Alawite state.
4. No country would recognize the Alawite state.
5. An Alawite state is indefensible.		1. The Alawites have tried to get out of the mountains and into the cities since the end of the Ottoman era.
2. The Assads planned to solve the sectarian problem in Syria by integrating the Alawites into Syria.
3. Assad has done nothing to lay the groundwork for an Alawite state.
4. No country would recognize the Alawite state.
5. An Alawite state is indefensible.