It was claimed that a “chemical attack” was carried out in Khan Sheikhun town on the south of Idlib, which left at least 58 people dead, including 11 children. After the reports concerning the use of chemical weapons, UN Security Council decided to hold an emergency meeting today.
It
was reported that chemical weapons were used in the attack carried
out on Tuesday in Idlib, which killed at least 58 people, including
11 children. Some humanitarian aid organizations claims that almost
100 people had been killed.
London-based pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that sarin gas was used in the attack which was carried out by either Syrian army or Russian air forces.
UN Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura defined what is happening in the region "horrific" and the Council will meet for calling the attackers to account. France called for the meeting.
It is reminded that use of chemical weapons is forbidden and such an attack is a war crime.
It is stated that this is the deadliest attack with the suspicion of chemical weapons since the war was erupted.
On the other hand, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is collecting evidence to determine whether chemical weapons were used.
Aid workers in Khan Sheikhun stated that they came across with complaints like "vomiting and foam at the mouth."
Russia: there is operation but no chemical weapons
The US made a statement after the attack, claiming that Esad administration carried out the attack.
Syrian
army denied the claims. Syrian state agency SANA reported that the
army denies the claims and states that they have never used and won't
be using chemical weapons.
Russian
Ministry of Defense stated that Syrian warplanes are conducting
operations against armed opposition in Idlib, but no chemical weapon
has been used.
While EU states that the main culprit is the Syrian government, UK noted that the attack points to the army.
French President Holland also stated that the Syrian regime is responsible for the attack.
If it is confirmed, this attack will be the deadliest chemical attack in Syrian.
Not a first
Syrian government has been accused of using chemical weapons many times before and all of these claims had been denied by the government.
UN and Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons detected that Syrian army used chlorine at least 3 times during the attacks carried out in 2014 and 2015. Furthermore, it was revealed that ISIS fighters had used mustard gas.
