Syrian Arab Air Force used chemical weapons in Saraqib: OPCW
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – On Monday, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) released the results of the second report by its Investigation and Identification Team (IIT), which is responsible for identifying the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
The report has determined that chemical weapons have been used in Saraqib in the countryside of Idlib, northwest Syria, on February 4, 2018.
The report reached the conclusion that there are reasonable grounds to believe that, “at approximately 21:22 on 4 February 2018, a military helicopter of the Syrian Arab Air Force under the control of the Tiger Forces hit eastern Saraqib by dropping at least one cylinder.”
“The cylinder ruptured and released chlorine over a large area, affecting 12 named individuals,” the report added.
The IIT’s investigation included a comprehensive review of all the information obtained including: interviews with persons who were present in the relevant places at the time of the incidents.
In addition, analysis of samples and remnants collected at the sites of the incidents, review of the symptomatology reported by casualties and medical staff, examination of imagery, including satellite images, and extensive consultation of experts, according to the OPCW report.
The report pointed out that the investigation relied on relevant FFM report as well as on “samples and other material obtained by the Technical Secretariat.”
The OPCW, which includes 193 states, is responsible for the implementation of the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention to achieve its vision of a world free of chemical weapons and the threat of their use.