The Syrian government used toxic chemicals in the March attacks in Idlib in Northwestern Syria, according to a new report.
The Syrian government forces likely used toxic chemicals in several barrel bomb attacks in the Idlib governorate between March 16-31, according to the new Human Rights Watch report.
The six attacks questioned by Human Rights Watch affected roughly 200 people, including 20 civil defense workers. Six civilians were also killed, including three children.
Using the chemical weapons violates the 2013 Chemical Weapons Convention and a United Nations Security Council resolution, HRW said.
In six of the attacks, Syrian government helicopters dropped barrel bombs containing gas canisters. In three of the attacks, witness accounts as well as photo and video evidence suggests a chemical attack. Though HRW cannot verify which chemical was used, witnesses not only described a chlorine smell, but the Syrian government has used barrel bombs connected with cylinders of chlorine gas before.
“Syrian authorities appear once again to have shown complete disregard for human suffering by violating the global prohibition against chemical warfare. The UN Security Council and countries that are members of the Chemical Weapons Convention need to respond strongly,” Nadim Houry, deputy Middle East and North Africa director of HRW, said.
Witness heard helicopters shortly before the attacks and found barrel bombs — which can only be delivered by aircraft — shortly after the attacks near the targeted areas. Witnesses also found containers often used for refrigerants in refrigerators and air-conditioners, which are easy to refill with gases and easily available in Syria. The Syrian government has also used this method before, the report said.
Rescue workers and doctors reported a chlorine smell. There was also a local journalist’s report of a yellow gas leaking from a refrigerant container after an attack on Idlib city.
Three doctors who treated some of those exposed in two of the attacks, reported symptoms of trouble breathing, burning eyes, burning sensation in the throat and coughing, as well as more serious cases that had symptoms of pulmonary edema.
The Idlib city was captured on March 28 by an Islamic group called Jabhat al-Nursa and other armed opposition groups. The Idlib governorate is in northwestern Syria and borders Turkey.
