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S/2017/904 12/33 17-18978 internal investigation, which included flight plans and air operations. To date, the Syrian Arab Republic has not provided the Mechanism with the outcomes of the investigation. Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 55. The Mechanism’s investigation initially commenced with a comprehensive review and analysis of all the information collected and prepared by the Fact-Finding Mission regarding the two cases. This comprised 2,554 files, which included documents, video interviews, audio recordings, photographs and laboratory results. 56. OPCW provided the Mechanism with three technical experts who were deployed with the Mechanism’s technical team to visit Sha‘irat airbase. The experts provided the Mechanism with additional specialized skills, including to ensure the safety of the operation. 57. OPCW also provided invaluable support through its laboratory and its designated laboratory network. 58. The Leadership Panel was in regular contact with the Director-General of OPCW both from New York and in The Hague. Moreover, the Mechanism interacted with OPCW on a frequent basis throughout the Mechanism’s mandate. Information from Member States 59. The Leadership Panel sent formal requests for information to Member States, including the Syrian Arab Republic, members of the Security Council and countries in the region, on three occasions. The requests for information were sent on 15 June 2017, regarding the case at Umm Hawsh; on 5 July 2017, regarding the case at Khan Shaykhun; and on 30 August 2017, regarding both cases. The Mechanism also sent tailored follow-up requests regarding both cases to a number of Member States that had responded to the initial requests. 60. Twelve Member States provided case-specific information, which was subjected to the same rigorous review and analysis as other information gathered. The Mechanism always sought to collect additional material from at least one other independent source for corroboration purposes. 61. Throughout the reporting period, the Leadership Panel met with Member States, including members of the Security Council. This was also an opportunity to brief Member States on the general status of the work of the Mechanism and to engage with regional States. In addition, members of the Leadership Panel visited the capitals of four Member States, including the Syrian Arab Republic, at their invitation, to be briefed on specific aspects of the two cases. Allegations from Member States 62. Since the issuance of its sixth report on 28 June 2017, the Mechanism has formally received 15 allegations related to non-State actors’ acquisition, possession or transfer of, or intent to use, chemical weapons or toxic chemicals. Two allegations specifically referred to ISIL. Thirteen allegations also included the acquisition of missiles and rockets fitted with toxic chemicals by non-State actors, including seven allegations involving the Nusrah Front. Those allegations were shared with OPCW