Syria’s Top Chemical-Weapons Developer Killed In Car Blast

A top research director at a military agency linked to Syria’s chemical weapons program was killed in a bombing that took place over the weekend in Syria, according to Syrian news reports on Sunday.

Aziz Azbar, the head of the Syrian Scientific Research and Studies Center in Masyaf, and a leading scientist in the development of medium- and long-range missiles, was killed along with his driver in a bombing on August 4th night, according to reports.

It has been reported that Azbar specialized in developing rocket systems at the center’s Masyaf facility in Syria’s Hama province.

Israel’s Hadashot TV news said Sunday night that he was in charge of a project improving the range and accuracy of the regime’s Scud missiles.  Reports have also indicated an Iranian missile operation at the site.

Initial reports indicate that Azbar’s car was blown up after a passerby affixed a bomb to the vehicle. The center has been targeted in two air attacks that have been attributed to Israel, including one in April that killed several Iranians.

An insurgent group calling itself the Abu Amara Brigades claimed responsibility for the operation. The group has previously claimed attacks targeting officials and militia commanders inside government territory.