Syria may be developing chemical weapons

DAMASCUS, Syria, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Satellite images show evidence Syria is developing the ability to make chemical weapons, Jane's Intelligence Review reported Wednesday.

Photos available from commercial providers of satellite images show heavy defenses and significant construction at the al-Safir site in northern Syria and a neighboring missile site, Jane's said.

"Construction at the al-Safir facility appears to be the most significant chemical weapons production, storage and weaponization site in Syria," said Christian Le Miere, editor of the Intelligence Review. "Its presence indicates Syria's desire to develop unconventional weapons either to act as a deterrent to conflict with Israel or as a force enhancer should any conflict ensue. The satellite imagery that IHS Jane's has examined suggests that Damascus has sought to expand and develop al-Safir and its chemical weapons arsenal."

A military checkpoint guards the entrance to the facility, Jane's said, with checkpoints for every section inside. That suggests the facility is not an industrial chemical plant.