UN: Chemical weapons ‘likely used’ in Syria attacks

FILE – A United Nations vehicle carrying Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) inspectors is seen in Damascus, Syria, April 17, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Reuters)

The United Nations’ global chemical weapons watchdog said Wednesday it has confirmed the banned nerve agent sarin and chlorine were “very likely” used in an attack in northern Syria last year.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said in a new report that sarin was probably used south of the city of Ltamenah on March 24, 2017. The watchdog also concluded that chlorine was likely used as a weapon the next day at Ltamenah Hospital and in the surrounding area.

The organization said its conclusions were based on witness testimony and sample analyses.

The OPCW’s fact-finding team was created in 2014 in response to numerous allegations of chemical attacks in Syria with a mandate to “establish facts surrounding the allegations.” The team was not mandated to assign blame for the chemical attacks. Voice of America

Popular

PBBM installs Mel Senen Sarmiento as new peace adviser

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet After a press briefing announcement late Tuesday confirming Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.’s decision to step down from his post, President Ferdinand...

PBBM chairs key security-dev’t meeting; NTF-ELCAC reports gains

By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday chaired a key security and development meeting, where the government...

Gov’t agencies sign SOP to implement POGO ban, help victims

By Brian Campued Key government agencies on Wednesday signed the inter-agency standard operating procedures (SOP) to enforce the ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). In...

Malacañang: Accountability on OVP’s fund use rests with VP Sara

By Ruth Abbey-Gita Carlos | Philippine News Agency Accountability for the use of confidential funds lies with Vice President Sara Duterte, Malacañang said on Tuesday...