These details highlight the continued security questions surrounding the plan, which just won backing from the U.N. Security Council.

Even with the go-ahead from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the conditions, including active combat, raise logistical concerns.

The OPCW says it may “potentially” need to seek third party troops (not Syrian, or OPCW), to assist with security during the mission. The official went on to say that the team will initially consist of 20 people based in Damascus.