OPCW says chlorine was used in an attack in Syria

Chlorine was likely used as a weapon in the Syrian town of Saraqeb in early February, according tot international chemical weapons watchdog.

By Nathan Morley

Early Wednesday, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons issued a report into chlorine use in Syria - but did not say which side in the fighting used it, as they are not mandated to apportion blame.

They said they had “determined that chlorine was released from cylinders” in the attack and found an “unusual presence of chlorine in the local environment.”

Chlorine bombs, which burst on impact, have been used on countless occasions during the war in Syria. Those exposed to chlorine can be left choking, foaming at the mouth or suffer violent coughing fits, with children and pensioners especially vulnerable.

Investigators also spoke to witnesses and patients at hospitals who had shown the symptoms of being exposed to chlorine.

The organization is also investigating allegations that poison gas was used in Douma in April this year.

Listen to Nathan Morley's report