As the manhunt for suspected chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi resumed on Monday (Feb 12) after the police found two “unexpected” bodies in the River Thames amid the search, a report by The Times claims to have found how migrants convicted of murders and sex crimes escape deportation from the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

<h2>Police resume search for Ezedi</h2>

The police, on Saturday (Feb 10) recovered two male bodies in the&nbsp;River Thames while&nbsp;searching for Ezedi, the suspect behind the chemical attack, which left several people in Clapham, south London injured after he allegedly threw&nbsp;a “corrosive substance” at them.&nbsp;

However, as per British media reports, it is also understood that the bodies were found not as a direct result of the search operation for the chemical attack suspect and neither of the bodies was identified as that of Ezedi.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-chemical-attack-two-bodies-recovered-from-river-thames-as-cops-search-for-suspect-689385">London chemical attack: Cops looking for suspect recover 2 bodies unrelated to case from River Thames</a>

The police said that it is believed that the chemical attack suspect had “gone in the water” a few hours after the attack on January 31. They later said he may have drowned.&nbsp;

<h2>How did Ezedi manage to stay in the UK?</h2>

A report by The Times, a British daily newspaper, on Monday, said that it found that over the years migrants, including those convicted of murder and sex crimes, have managed to avoid being deported claiming that they have converted to Christianity.&nbsp;

According to the report, migrants in UK courts have argued that if they returned to their home countries they would be persecuted due to their apparent conversion.&nbsp;

In Ezedi’s case, he arrived in the UK illegally in 2016 after fleeing from Afghanistan and was granted refugee status by 2022 on his third attempt. This was despite him pleading guilty to sexual assault and exposure charges in 2018.&nbsp;

He was granted refugee status on the basis that he had apparently converted to Christianity after an appeal tribunal – Upper Tribunal’s immigration and asylum chamber, the final stage of legal appeal before deportation – ruled in his favour.&nbsp;

The grant came after a priest vouched for Ezedi saying that he had converted to Christianity. It is understood the priest in question was not Roman Catholic or from the Church of England.

Both the Church of England and the Catholic Church in England and Wales have since denied that the chemical attack suspect was converted to the faith via their denominations.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-london-chemical-attacker-may-have-drowned-in-thames-say-police-688819">UK: London chemical attacker may have drowned in Thames, say police</a>

Additionally, Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, in a statement said they “found nothing” to suggest Ezedi had become a Catholic but they are still looking into it.&nbsp;

Therefore, there is no evidence that the chemical attack suspect converted to Christianity, while the case has led to scrutiny over religious asylum.&nbsp;

The UK has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the number of asylum seekers arriving in the country in recent years, resulting in a heated debate among lawmakers on how to control illegal migration.&nbsp;

In the wake of the attack, members of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ruling Tory party called on him to reform its policy on asylum seekers saying that Ezedi should have never been granted asylum.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

As the manhunt for suspected chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi resumed on Monday (Feb 12) after the police found two “unexpected” bodies in the River Thames amid the search, a report by The Times claims to have found how migrants convicted of murders and sex crimes escape deportation from the United Kingdom.

As the manhunt for suspected chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi resumed on Monday (Feb 12) after the police found two “unexpected” bodies in the River Thames amid the search, a report by The Times claims to have found how migrants convicted of murders and sex crimes escape deportation from the United Kingdom. Police resume search for Ezedi The police, on Saturday (Feb 10) recovered two male bodies in the River Thames while searching for Ezedi, the suspect behind the chemical attack, which left several people in Clapham, south London injured after he allegedly threw a “corrosive substance” at them. However, as per British media reports, it is also understood that the bodies were found not as a direct result of the search operation for the chemical attack suspect and neither of the bodies was identified as that of Ezedi. ALSO READ | London chemical attack: Cops looking for suspect recover 2 bodies unrelated to case from River Thames The police said that it is believed that the chemical attack suspect had “gone in the water” a few hours after the attack on January 31. They later said he may have drowned. How did Ezedi manage to stay in the UK? A report by The Times, a British daily newspaper, on Monday, said that it found that over the years migrants, including those convicted of murder and sex crimes, have managed to avoid being deported claiming that they have converted to Christianity. According to the report, migrants in UK courts have argued that if they returned to their home countries they would be persecuted due to their apparent conversion. In Ezedi’s case, he arrived in the UK illegally in 2016 after fleeing from Afghanistan and was granted refugee status by 2022 on his third attempt. This was despite him pleading guilty to sexual assault and exposure charges in 2018. He was granted refugee status on the basis that he had apparently converted to Christianity after an appeal tribunal – Upper Tribunal’s immigration and asylum chamber, the final stage of legal appeal before deportation – ruled in his favour. The grant came after a priest vouched for Ezedi saying that he had converted to Christianity. It is understood the priest in question was not Roman Catholic or from the Church of England. Both the Church of England and the Catholic Church in England and Wales have since denied that the chemical attack suspect was converted to the faith via their denominations. ALSO READ | UK: London chemical attacker may have drowned in Thames, say police Additionally, Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, in a statement said they “found nothing” to suggest Ezedi had become a Catholic but they are still looking into it. Therefore, there is no evidence that the chemical attack suspect converted to Christianity, while the case has led to scrutiny over religious asylum. The UK has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the number of asylum seekers arriving in the country in recent years, resulting in a heated debate among lawmakers on how to control illegal migration. In the wake of the attack, members of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ruling Tory party called on him to reform its policy on asylum seekers saying that Ezedi should have never been granted asylum. (With inputs from agencies)

London chemical attack suspect, Abdul Ezedi was not deported despite being convicted of sex crime. Here’s why

The United Kingdom police have offered up to 20,000 pounds (approx. $25,266) for information leading to the suspected chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi, on Sunday (Feb 4). This comes after&nbsp;an extensive nationwide search operation failed to locate the man who injured several&nbsp;people in south London after allegedly throwing a “corrosive substance” at them.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the UK police say?</h2>

The police announced a reward of up to 20,000 pounds for information about Ezedi, 35, the suspect in a chemical attack on a 31-year-old woman and her two daughters in south London’s Clapham.

The attack took place on Wednesday (Jan 31) which, apart from the family injured&nbsp;three others as well as three police officers who went to help.&nbsp;

On Sunday (Feb 4), Metropolitan Police Commander Jon Savell said that the laboratory analysis of the substance used for the attack showed “a very strong concentrated corrosive substance, either liquid sodium hydroxide or liquid sodium carbonate”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-corrosive-substance-thrown-leaves-9-people-injured-in-south-london-685877">Mysterious 'corrosive' substance leaves 9 people injured in south London</a>

The police are now comparing the substance with the containers seized from the&nbsp;35-year-old’s home in Newcastle, said Savell.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the detectives working on the case said that the people who know where he is have yet to come forward and warned that anyone found assisting Ezedi would be arrested. They also believe that there are people concealing his location, reported the British media.&nbsp;

Savell also thanked the public for the dozens of calls already received and said, “Your help is critical.” He added, “I must warn anyone who is helping Ezedi to evade capture, if you are harbouring or assisting him then you will be arrested.”

In its recent updates about the case, the Met police also said that the suspect was last seen leaving Tower Hill Underground station on Wednesday at around 9:33 pm (local time).&nbsp;

According to British media reports, Ezedi arrived in the UK from Afghanistan in a lorry in 2016 and was granted refugee status by 2022 on this third attempt, apparently on the basis that he had converted to Christianity.

In 2018, he pleaded guilty to sexual assault and exposure charges but was not imprisoned.&nbsp;

<h2>About those injured</h2>

The 31-year-old woman, known to Ezedi, is in a critical but stable condition at a hospital and is said to have experienced life-changing injuries.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-abdul-ezedi-suspect-behind-chemical-attack-in-south-london-that-injured-nine-686400">Who is Abdul Ezedi, suspect behind chemical attack in south London that injured nine?</a>

Meanwhile, her daughters, aged three and eight, suffered injuries not “as serious as first thought.”

Three members of the public who came to the aid of the family have been discharged from the hospital with minor burns. Five police officers responding to the attack have also been treated and have now left the hospital.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The United Kingdom police have offered up to 20,000 pounds (approx. $25,266) for information leading to the suspected chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi, on Sunday (Feb 4).

The United Kingdom police have offered up to 20,000 pounds (approx. $25,266) for information leading to the suspected chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi, on Sunday (Feb 4). This comes after an extensive nationwide search operation failed to locate the man who injured several people in south London after allegedly throwing a “corrosive substance” at them. What did the UK police say? The police announced a reward of up to 20,000 pounds for information about Ezedi, 35, the suspect in a chemical attack on a 31-year-old woman and her two daughters in south London’s Clapham. The attack took place on Wednesday (Jan 31) which, apart from the family injured three others as well as three police officers who went to help. On Sunday (Feb 4), Metropolitan Police Commander Jon Savell said that the laboratory analysis of the substance used for the attack showed “a very strong concentrated corrosive substance, either liquid sodium hydroxide or liquid sodium carbonate”. ALSO READ | Mysterious 'corrosive' substance leaves 9 people injured in south London The police are now comparing the substance with the containers seized from the 35-year-old’s home in Newcastle, said Savell. Meanwhile, the detectives working on the case said that the people who know where he is have yet to come forward and warned that anyone found assisting Ezedi would be arrested. They also believe that there are people concealing his location, reported the British media. Savell also thanked the public for the dozens of calls already received and said, “Your help is critical.” He added, “I must warn anyone who is helping Ezedi to evade capture, if you are harbouring or assisting him then you will be arrested.” In its recent updates about the case, the Met police also said that the suspect was last seen leaving Tower Hill Underground station on Wednesday at around 9:33 pm (local time). According to British media reports, Ezedi arrived in the UK from Afghanistan in a lorry in 2016 and was granted refugee status by 2022 on this third attempt, apparently on the basis that he had converted to Christianity. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to sexual assault and exposure charges but was not imprisoned. About those injured The 31-year-old woman, known to Ezedi, is in a critical but stable condition at a hospital and is said to have experienced life-changing injuries. ALSO READ | Who is Abdul Ezedi, suspect behind chemical attack in south London that injured nine? Meanwhile, her daughters, aged three and eight, suffered injuries not “as serious as first thought.” Three members of the public who came to the aid of the family have been discharged from the hospital with minor burns. Five police officers responding to the attack have also been treated and have now left the hospital. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: $25,000 reward offered for information on suspect behind Clapham chemical attack

A 32-year-old Iranian man was arrested in western Germany on suspicion of planning an attack with deadly chemicals, according to police officials on Sunday (January 8).

A 32-year-old Iranian man was arrested in western Germany on suspicion of planning an attack with deadly chemicals, according to police officials on Sunday (January 8). An official statement said the police officers searched a residence in the Castrop-Rauxel town for "toxic substances" intended to carry out an attack. Several days back, authorities were tipped off about an attack with a chemical bomb by a foreign intelligence service, a report by Bild said. ALSO READ | Security concerns raised after Chinese tracking device found in UK govt car: Report A report by the news agency AFP, citing local media, said raids at the residence in Castrop-Rauxel were carried out by agents dressed in protective suits. A 32-year-old Iranian man has been arrested from the Castrop-Rauxel town, northwest of Dortmund in Germany on suspicion of planning an attack with deadly chemicals, officials said Sunday. They added that the man is suspected to have planned an attack motivated by Islamic extremism, for which he had obtained the potent toxins cyanide and ricin. The Iranian man, who was arrested shortly before Saturday midnight, was "suspected of having prepared a serious act of violence threatening the security of the state by obtaining cyanide and ricin with a view to committing an Islamist attack," investigators said on Sunday. Ricin, a highly toxic substance, is classified as a chemical weapon in Germany. It can cause death within 36 to 72 hours of exposure, depending on the route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or injection) and the dose received, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ALSO READ | Wikipedia denies claim that Saudi govt ‘infiltrated’ its team in Gulf The police, meanwhile, said the Iranian man will be presented to an investigating judge in the coming days ahead of possible pre-trial detention. The police also said that another person, said to be the man's brother, has been taken into custody, the AFP report said. Back in 2018, a Tunisian couple was arrested by German authorities on suspicion of planning a biological bomb attack in the country. The couple, who were sympathisers of the Islamic state, possessed 84 milligrams of Ricin in their apartment in Cologne. The man and the woman were sentenced to 10 and eight years imprisonment respectively. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Germany: Iranian man, suspected of chemical attack plot, arrested

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 24th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP) and preparedness meeting at Chennai on Wednesday. The meeting gains significance because India is the third largest importer of crude oil and receives a large volume of it via ships.

India is also the sixth-largest importer of chemicals. Consequently, spills of oil or chemicals at sea threaten to pose huge risks to Indian maritime zones, coastal cities, and the environment in general.&nbsp;

Director General VS Pathania of the Indian Coast Guard chaired the meeting that involved representatives from various ministries, central and state government departments, ports and oil-handling companies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/oil-spill-off-chennai-coast-indian-coast-guard-monitoring-situation-392397">WATCH |&nbsp;Oil spill off Chennai coast, Indian Coast Guard monitoring situation</a>

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The officials discussed and reviewed the national capabilities to ensure collective preparedness to respond to any oil spill contingency in Indian waters.&nbsp;

To attain this goal, preventive measures are required to be taken by the central coordinating agency, ship owners, oil handling facilities, and other concerned stakeholders. VS Pathania committed that the ICG is cautious and remains prepared for the threats to the region and its resources, including marine oil and chemical spills at sea.&nbsp;

He emphasised that the stakeholders must recognise the opportunity to enhance cooperation through stronger partnerships, effective coordination and imbibing best practices of the developing technology.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 24th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP) and preparedness meeting at Chennai on Wednesday. The meeting gains significance because India is the third largest importer of crude oil and receives a large volume of it via ships.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 24th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP) and preparedness meeting at Chennai on Wednesday. The meeting gains significance because India is the third largest importer of crude oil and receives a large volume of it via ships. India is also the sixth-largest importer of chemicals. Consequently, spills of oil or chemicals at sea threaten to pose huge risks to Indian maritime zones, coastal cities, and the environment in general. Director General VS Pathania of the Indian Coast Guard chaired the meeting that involved representatives from various ministries, central and state government departments, ports and oil-handling companies. WATCH | Oil spill off Chennai coast, Indian Coast Guard monitoring situation × The officials discussed and reviewed the national capabilities to ensure collective preparedness to respond to any oil spill contingency in Indian waters. To attain this goal, preventive measures are required to be taken by the central coordinating agency, ship owners, oil handling facilities, and other concerned stakeholders. VS Pathania committed that the ICG is cautious and remains prepared for the threats to the region and its resources, including marine oil and chemical spills at sea. He emphasised that the stakeholders must recognise the opportunity to enhance cooperation through stronger partnerships, effective coordination and imbibing best practices of the developing technology. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Coast Guard conducts review of National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan

Intel reports indicate that the Islamic State tried to develop chemical weapons to strike targets in western Europe. How close did ISIS get to developing these weapons? How can we avoid a repeat? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: ISIS planned chemical weapon attack on Europe

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.&nbsp;

Maria Zakharova, the director of the information and press department of Russia's foreign affairs ministry, on Saturday, told broadcaster RT that ''Germany closely coordinated its work on biological security with its US allies.''

She added that according to confirmed reports, the US established a network of at least 30 biological laboratories in Ukraine.

It comes after Western countries accused Russia of spreading wild conspiracy theories without any solid evidence.

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💬 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zakharova?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zakharova</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RT_com</a>: According to confirmed reports, 🇩🇪 Germany closely coordinated its work on biological security with its US allies, who established a network of at least ☣️ 30 biological laboratories in Ukraine. 
 
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— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mfa_russia/status/1515271074652504069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A similar claim was made by Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations who said that America is using its weapons research in Ukraine to conduct biological warfare.

"Experiments were being conducted to study this spread of dangerous diseases using active parasites such as lice and fleas," he said.

In response, British ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward had said, "Let me put it diplomatically: they are utter nonsense. There is not a shred of credible evidence that Ukraine has a biological weapons programme."

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The United States had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's government was spreading the unproven claim as a prelude to potentially launching its own biological or chemical assault.

"Russia has a track record of falsely accusing other countries of the very violations that Russia itself is perpetrating," said the United States' envoy to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

"This is work that has been done proudly, clearly, and out in the open. This work has everything to do with protecting the health of people. It has absolutely nothing to do with biological weapons," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-state-tv-says-moscow-has-entered-world-war-3-against-nato-471291" hreflang="en">Watch | Russian state TV says Moscow has entered World War 3 against NATO</a>

Previously, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had said, "The Americans carried out this work in complete secrecy. Just like how they work in other former Soviet states, creating their military-biological labs right along Russia's borders."

According to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, "The stuff which you are hearing about chemical weapons is straight out of the Russian playbook."

"They start saying that there are chemical weapons that are being stored by their opponents or by the Americans, so that when they themselves deploy chemical weapons, as I fear they may, they have a fake story ready to go," Johnson said.

"You have seen it in Syria, you saw it even in the UK. It is a cynical, barbaric government I'm afraid."

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos. Maria Zakharova, the director of the information and press department of Russia's foreign affairs ministry, on Saturday, told broadcaster RT that ''Germany closely coordinated its work on biological security with its US allies.'' She added that according to confirmed reports, the US established a network of at least 30 biological laboratories in Ukraine. It comes after Western countries accused Russia of spreading wild conspiracy theories without any solid evidence. 💬 #Zakharova to @RT_com: According to confirmed reports, 🇩🇪 Germany closely coordinated its work on biological security with its US allies, who established a network of at least ☣️ 30 biological laboratories in Ukraine. 🔗 https://t.co/Gn4jHOm2yA pic.twitter.com/X8Z6bLo1Z6 — MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) April 16, 2022 × A similar claim was made by Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations who said that America is using its weapons research in Ukraine to conduct biological warfare. "Experiments were being conducted to study this spread of dangerous diseases using active parasites such as lice and fleas," he said. In response, British ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward had said, "Let me put it diplomatically: they are utter nonsense. There is not a shred of credible evidence that Ukraine has a biological weapons programme." The United States had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's government was spreading the unproven claim as a prelude to potentially launching its own biological or chemical assault. "Russia has a track record of falsely accusing other countries of the very violations that Russia itself is perpetrating," said the United States' envoy to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. "This is work that has been done proudly, clearly, and out in the open. This work has everything to do with protecting the health of people. It has absolutely nothing to do with biological weapons," she added. Also read | Watch | Russian state TV says Moscow has entered World War 3 against NATO Previously, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had said, "The Americans carried out this work in complete secrecy. Just like how they work in other former Soviet states, creating their military-biological labs right along Russia's borders." According to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, "The stuff which you are hearing about chemical weapons is straight out of the Russian playbook." "They start saying that there are chemical weapons that are being stored by their opponents or by the Americans, so that when they themselves deploy chemical weapons, as I fear they may, they have a fake story ready to go," Johnson said. "You have seen it in Syria, you saw it even in the UK. It is a cynical, barbaric government I'm afraid." (With inputs from agencies)

Russia says Germany closely coordinated its work on biological security with its US allies

The conflict in Ukraine is escalating. A Russian strike on a maternity hospital in Mariupol killed 3 people. Ukraine says a radiation leak from Chernobyl is imminent. US and UK fear Russia could use chemical weapons in Ukraine. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Will Russia launch a chemical attack on Ukraine?

China's cabinet will begin a nationwide safety crackdown on its massive chemical industry after an official investigation into a deadly plant blast that killed 78 people and injured dozens more in March.

The explosion, at the Tianjiayi chemical factory in Yancheng in eastern coastal Jiangsu province, has already resulted in the closure of dozens of small plants and China expects to relocate more than 80 per cent&nbsp;of hazardous chemical production by the end of 2020.

A meeting of the State Council chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday said an inquiry into the blast revealed local authorities had failed to implement safety rules or crackdown on violations.

A summary of the meeting on China's official government website&nbsp;showed Beijing will launch a new round of inspections into hazardous chemical producers throughout the country, and that local government must eliminate all hazards around production, storage, transportation and waste disposal.

It will also work on new legislation to help enforce safety rules and punish offenders, and curb "blind and disorderly" development in the industry.

The March blast sent shockwaves throughout the chemical industry, with industry officials saying costs have risen and supply chains have been disrupted as a result of stricter inspections and plant closures.

As well as tighter zoning regulations that prevent chemical plants from being built near residential areas, China is now implementing new rules on the transportation and disposal of hazardous materials.

China's cabinet will begin a nationwide safety crackdown on its massive chemical industry after an official investigation into a deadly plant blast that killed 78 people and injured dozens more in March.

China's cabinet will begin a nationwide safety crackdown on its massive chemical industry after an official investigation into a deadly plant blast that killed 78 people and injured dozens more in March. The explosion, at the Tianjiayi chemical factory in Yancheng in eastern coastal Jiangsu province, has already resulted in the closure of dozens of small plants and China expects to relocate more than 80 per cent of hazardous chemical production by the end of 2020. A meeting of the State Council chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday said an inquiry into the blast revealed local authorities had failed to implement safety rules or crackdown on violations. A summary of the meeting on China's official government website showed Beijing will launch a new round of inspections into hazardous chemical producers throughout the country, and that local government must eliminate all hazards around production, storage, transportation and waste disposal. It will also work on new legislation to help enforce safety rules and punish offenders, and curb "blind and disorderly" development in the industry. The March blast sent shockwaves throughout the chemical industry, with industry officials saying costs have risen and supply chains have been disrupted as a result of stricter inspections and plant closures. As well as tighter zoning regulations that prevent chemical plants from being built near residential areas, China is now implementing new rules on the transportation and disposal of hazardous materials.

China launches new crackdown on chemical safety

More than 50 people, mostly children, were injured by a man who broke into a kindergarten in southwest China and sprayed them with corrosive liquid, local authorities said Tuesday.

The suspect, a 23-year-old surnamed Kong, entered the kindergarten by climbing a wall before spraying victims with sodium hydroxide, said local authorities in Kaiyuan city, Yunnan province.

The attack took place on Monday at 3:35 pm (0735 GMT), authorities said on their Twitter-like Weibo account.

Some 51 children and three teachers were admitted to hospital for treatment, two with "severe symptoms".

Police arrested Kong less than an hour after the attack.

"Because his parents divorced during his childhood, the lack of family warmth resulted in psychological distortion," said local authorities, adding that Zhang's work and life were unsatisfactory as well.

All this created a "pessimistic mentality and thoughts about retaliating against society", they said.

Violent attacks targeting schoolchildren are not uncommon in China, which has seen a slew of deadly incidents over the past few years, usually involving knives.

In April last year, a 28-year-old man killed nine middle-school students as they were returning home in one of the country's deadliest knife attacks in recent years.

The killer, who said he had been bullied when he attended the school in northern China's Shaanxi province, was executed in September last year.

Later in 2018, a knife-wielding woman injured 14 children at a kindergarten in Sichuan province.

The 39-year-old assailant slashed students while they were returning to the classroom after morning exercises.

More than 50 people, mostly children, were injured by a man who broke into a kindergarten in southwest China and sprayed them with corrosive liquid, local authorities said Tuesday.

More than 50 people, mostly children, were injured by a man who broke into a kindergarten in southwest China and sprayed them with corrosive liquid, local authorities said Tuesday. The suspect, a 23-year-old surnamed Kong, entered the kindergarten by climbing a wall before spraying victims with sodium hydroxide, said local authorities in Kaiyuan city, Yunnan province. The attack took place on Monday at 3:35 pm (0735 GMT), authorities said on their Twitter-like Weibo account. Some 51 children and three teachers were admitted to hospital for treatment, two with "severe symptoms". Police arrested Kong less than an hour after the attack. "Because his parents divorced during his childhood, the lack of family warmth resulted in psychological distortion," said local authorities, adding that Zhang's work and life were unsatisfactory as well. All this created a "pessimistic mentality and thoughts about retaliating against society", they said. Violent attacks targeting schoolchildren are not uncommon in China, which has seen a slew of deadly incidents over the past few years, usually involving knives. In April last year, a 28-year-old man killed nine middle-school students as they were returning home in one of the country's deadliest knife attacks in recent years. The killer, who said he had been bullied when he attended the school in northern China's Shaanxi province, was executed in September last year. Later in 2018, a knife-wielding woman injured 14 children at a kindergarten in Sichuan province. The 39-year-old assailant slashed students while they were returning to the classroom after morning exercises.

51 children injured as man sprays chemical in China's kindergarten

For nearly a century, the world has only been trying to eliminate chemical weapons. The Geneva Convention of 1925 prohibited the use of such weapons, but not the production or storage.

That changed in the last decade of the previous century. In 1992, a convention banned the storage and production too. This convention came into force five years later.

Since then, 193 countries have acceded to the convention and the organisation for the prohibition of chemical weapons, OPCW has been tasked with inspecting the presence of such weapons.

With regard to Syria, the OPCW even won the Nobel Peace Prize for its work in eliminating chemical weapons in 2013. Six years later, there is no accountability or punishment for countries flouting the convention.

How do they get away with it? On WION Edit, we explore this specific question. There are three categories of chemical weapons.

Among the states which possess category 1 weapons, the US is yet to destroy its chemical weapons. Russia says it has destroyed its weapons in 2017, but the Salisbury attacks took place in 2018. This says a lot about Russia.

Put simply, the two major military heavyweights continue to flout the rules. This makes other countries to follow suit too.

Syria has a dodgy record with chemical weapons. Since the involvement of Russia in the Syrian crisis in 2015, dozens of chemical attacks have been recorded by none other than OPCW.

And the effectiveness of chemical weapons encourages its continued use. This is a persistent danger, it's time to review the charter of OPCW.

The chemical weapons convention seems too weak to handle this threat. Ineffective penalties have only intensified the problem. Escalating the issue at UNGA or UNSC is not going to be the deterrent.&nbsp;

Over the last fifty to sixty years, the use of chemical weapons has been a recurring theme in every conflict. These weapons were reported to have been used in the Vietnam war, then it was in the news again after the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Rhodesia, Angola, Iran-Iraq war, Iraq attacks on Kurds in 1988, Gulf War, and now Syria.

Unless the big fish, the US and Russia are compelled to abide by these conventions in letter and spirit, this situation is unlikely to change.

And, the Nobel Peace Prize to OPCW will mean next to nothing if the weapons are not abolished altogether. Stringent punishment is absolutely necessary and trade sanctions won't be enough.

The world simply cannot look away silently every time this horror is unleashed- because chemical warfare is a brutal war against humanity. 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

For nearly a century, the world has only been trying to eliminate chemical weapons. The Geneva Convention of 1925 prohibited the use of such weapons, but not the production or storage.

For nearly a century, the world has only been trying to eliminate chemical weapons. The Geneva Convention of 1925 prohibited the use of such weapons, but not the production or storage. That changed in the last decade of the previous century. In 1992, a convention banned the storage and production too. This convention came into force five years later. Since then, 193 countries have acceded to the convention and the organisation for the prohibition of chemical weapons, OPCW has been tasked with inspecting the presence of such weapons. With regard to Syria, the OPCW even won the Nobel Peace Prize for its work in eliminating chemical weapons in 2013. Six years later, there is no accountability or punishment for countries flouting the convention. How do they get away with it? On WION Edit, we explore this specific question. There are three categories of chemical weapons. Among the states which possess category 1 weapons, the US is yet to destroy its chemical weapons. Russia says it has destroyed its weapons in 2017, but the Salisbury attacks took place in 2018. This says a lot about Russia. Put simply, the two major military heavyweights continue to flout the rules. This makes other countries to follow suit too. Syria has a dodgy record with chemical weapons. Since the involvement of Russia in the Syrian crisis in 2015, dozens of chemical attacks have been recorded by none other than OPCW. And the effectiveness of chemical weapons encourages its continued use. This is a persistent danger, it's time to review the charter of OPCW. The chemical weapons convention seems too weak to handle this threat. Ineffective penalties have only intensified the problem. Escalating the issue at UNGA or UNSC is not going to be the deterrent. Over the last fifty to sixty years, the use of chemical weapons has been a recurring theme in every conflict. These weapons were reported to have been used in the Vietnam war, then it was in the news again after the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Rhodesia, Angola, Iran-Iraq war, Iraq attacks on Kurds in 1988, Gulf War, and now Syria. Unless the big fish, the US and Russia are compelled to abide by these conventions in letter and spirit, this situation is unlikely to change. And, the Nobel Peace Prize to OPCW will mean next to nothing if the weapons are not abolished altogether. Stringent punishment is absolutely necessary and trade sanctions won't be enough. The world simply cannot look away silently every time this horror is unleashed- because chemical warfare is a brutal war against humanity. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Chemical warfare a brutal war against humanity

The world's chemical weapons watchdog said Wednesday deadly sarin and chlorine were used in two separate attacks in the village of Latamneh in northwestern Syria in March last year.

"Sarin was very likely used as a chemical weapon in the south" of Latamneh on 24 March 2017, the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said in a statement.

The&nbspfact-finding mission "also concluded that chlorine was very likely used as a chemical weapon" at Latamneh's hospital and surrounding area on 25 March 2017.

The fact-finding mission "also concluded that chlorine was very likely used as a chemical weapon" at Latamneh's hospital

The world's chemical weapons watchdog said Wednesday deadly sarin and chlorine were used in two separate attacks in the village of Latamneh in northwestern Syria in March last year. "Sarin was very likely used as a chemical weapon in the south" of Latamneh on 24 March 2017, the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said in a statement. The&nbspfact-finding mission "also concluded that chlorine was very likely used as a chemical weapon" at Latamneh's hospital and surrounding area on 25 March 2017.

Sarin, chlorine used in two attacks in Syria last year: Chemical weapons watchdog

Experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on Saturday visited one of the sites in Douma, Syria, where a chemical attack allegedly took place on April 7 to collect samples for analysis.

In a statement, the OPCW said it would now evaluate and consider whether the team needs to make a second visit to Douma. 
Samples will be transported back to the Netherlands and onward to the organisation's network of designated labs for analysis. 
Based on the analysis of the sample results as well other information and materials collected by the team, the mission would compile a report and submit it to the organisation`s member states, the statement said.

The OPCW has been investigating the use of toxic chemicals in Syria`s civil war since 2014. Inspectors had been trying to reach Douma for several days but were delayed after an advance security detail was fired upon on April 17.

The OPCW team will attempt to determine whether chemical weapons were used and if so, which. It is not mandated to conclude which side in the conflict used them.

The town of Douma was, at the time of the attack, under rebel control and facing a ferocious government air and ground assault. Militants gave up the town days after the alleged attack, which killed more than 40 people.&nbsp;

The US, France, and Britain blamed the Syrian government and struck suspected Syrian chemical weapons facilities one week later.&nbsp;

Images that emerged from Douma in the hours after the attack showed lifeless bodies collapsed in crowded rooms, some with foam around their noses and mouths. Thousands of people — rebels and civilians — left Douma on buses to north Syria in the days afterwards, believing they could not reconcile with the government after it took over the town. North Syria is divided between opposition, Turkish, and al-Qaida control.

The evacuations were the latest in a string of population transfers around the Syrian capital that have displaced more than 60,000 people as the government reconsolidates control after seven years of civil war.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

International chemical weapons experts have finally inspected the site of a suspected attack near Damascus which caused an international crisis.

Experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on Saturday visited one of the sites in Douma, Syria, where a chemical attack allegedly took place on April 7 to collect samples for analysis. In a statement, the OPCW said it would now evaluate and consider whether the team needs to make a second visit to Douma. Samples will be transported back to the Netherlands and onward to the organisation's network of designated labs for analysis. Based on the analysis of the sample results as well other information and materials collected by the team, the mission would compile a report and submit it to the organisation`s member states, the statement said. The OPCW has been investigating the use of toxic chemicals in Syria`s civil war since 2014. Inspectors had been trying to reach Douma for several days but were delayed after an advance security detail was fired upon on April 17. The OPCW team will attempt to determine whether chemical weapons were used and if so, which. It is not mandated to conclude which side in the conflict used them. The town of Douma was, at the time of the attack, under rebel control and facing a ferocious government air and ground assault. Militants gave up the town days after the alleged attack, which killed more than 40 people. The US, France, and Britain blamed the Syrian government and struck suspected Syrian chemical weapons facilities one week later. Images that emerged from Douma in the hours after the attack showed lifeless bodies collapsed in crowded rooms, some with foam around their noses and mouths. Thousands of people — rebels and civilians — left Douma on buses to north Syria in the days afterwards, believing they could not reconcile with the government after it took over the town. North Syria is divided between opposition, Turkish, and al-Qaida control. The evacuations were the latest in a string of population transfers around the Syrian capital that have displaced more than 60,000 people as the government reconsolidates control after seven years of civil war. (With inputs from Agencies)

Chemical weapon experts of OPCW visit site of alleged chemical attack in Syria's Douma

Chemical weapons watchdog Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) had its team visit Douma&nbsp;today&nbsp;to collect site samples in connection with the alleged chemical attack carried out on April 7.&nbsp;

OPCW's Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) collected samples from one of the sites in Douma, Syria today. The team will evaluate if another possible visit to the site would be necessary.

The collected samples will be sent to the OPCW Laboratory in Rijswijk, Netherlands. Further investigations at OPCW’s designated labs will also be carried out.&nbsp;

"Based on the analysis of the sample results as well other information and materials collected by the team, the FFM will compile their report for submission to the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention for their consideration," read the official release on OPCW's website.&nbsp;

US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert on Friday stated OPCW team's&nbsp;inability to get access to Douma even after 12 days.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y3DLV5pLTqg" width="560"></iframe>

"We confirm that the OPCW team has not been able to enter Douma, it is now 12 days since the attack took place... We have credible information that indicates that Russian officials are working with the Syrian regime to deny and to delay these inspectors from gaining access to Douma," she said.

Nauert&nbsp;also noted that Russia and Syria have been working together to sanitise the site, removing evidence of chemical weapon use.

"We believe it is an effort to conduct their own staged investigations. Russian officials with Syrian regime are working to sanitise the locations of the suspected attacks and remove incriminating evidence of chemical weapons use," Nauert stated on Friday.&nbsp;

The collected samples will be sent to the OPCW Laboratory in Rijswijk, Netherlands

Chemical weapons watchdog Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) had its team visit Douma today to collect site samples in connection with the alleged chemical attack carried out on April 7. OPCW's Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) collected samples from one of the sites in Douma, Syria today. The team will evaluate if another possible visit to the site would be necessary. The collected samples will be sent to the OPCW Laboratory in Rijswijk, Netherlands. Further investigations at OPCW’s designated labs will also be carried out. "Based on the analysis of the sample results as well other information and materials collected by the team, the FFM will compile their report for submission to the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention for their consideration," read the official release on OPCW's website. US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert on Friday stated OPCW team's inability to get access to Douma even after 12 days. "We confirm that the OPCW team has not been able to enter Douma, it is now 12 days since the attack took place... We have credible information that indicates that Russian officials are working with the Syrian regime to deny and to delay these inspectors from gaining access to Douma," she said. Nauert also noted that Russia and Syria have been working together to sanitise the site, removing evidence of chemical weapon use. "We believe it is an effort to conduct their own staged investigations. Russian officials with Syrian regime are working to sanitise the locations of the suspected attacks and remove incriminating evidence of chemical weapons use," Nauert stated on Friday.

OPCW team enters Douma, collects site samples for investigation

Russia will screen a Syrian child's interview before the UN in defence of its claim that the chemical attack carried out in Douma, Syria was a hoax.

Russia claims that the child was made to pose as a victim of chemical weapons in Syria. A subtitled version of the report has already been submitted to the UN, Russian ambassador to UN&nbsp;Vasilly Nebenza shared.&nbsp;

A state-owned Russian television telecast the 11-year-old child's interview on Wednesday. Russian officials claim that the atrocity was staged by a civil defence organisation called the 'white helmets'.&nbsp;

US-led air strikes jolted Syria over Assad's chemical weapons installation last week. A Western attack on Syria hit a scientific research facility in Damascus and Syrian army depots in the Homs area, state media said, and a witness said the Syrian capital was rocked by explosions as smoke rose into the sky.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a second research facility was also struck in Damascus, in addition to a third in the Homs area, and five military bases and depots used by elite army divisions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus. 
&nbsp;

Russia claims that the child was made to pose as a victim of chemical weapons in Syria

Russia will screen a Syrian child's interview before the UN in defence of its claim that the chemical attack carried out in Douma, Syria was a hoax. Russia claims that the child was made to pose as a victim of chemical weapons in Syria. A subtitled version of the report has already been submitted to the UN, Russian ambassador to UN Vasilly Nebenza shared. A state-owned Russian television telecast the 11-year-old child's interview on Wednesday. Russian officials claim that the atrocity was staged by a civil defence organisation called the 'white helmets'. US-led air strikes jolted Syria over Assad's chemical weapons installation last week. A Western attack on Syria hit a scientific research facility in Damascus and Syrian army depots in the Homs area, state media said, and a witness said the Syrian capital was rocked by explosions as smoke rose into the sky. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a second research facility was also struck in Damascus, in addition to a third in the Homs area, and five military bases and depots used by elite army divisions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus.

Child's interview before UN will prove Douma chemical attack was 'staged': Russia

The United States accused Russia on Monday of blocking international inspectors from reaching the site of a suspected poison gas attack in Syria and said Russians or Syrians may have tampered with evidence on the ground.

Moscow denied the charge and blamed delays on retaliatory U.S.-led missile strikes on Syria on Saturday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism from political opponents over their decisions to take part in the air strikes.

Syria and Russia deny unleashing poison gas on April 7 during their offensive on Douma, which ended with the recapture of the town that had been the last rebel stronghold near the capital, Damascus.

Relief organisations say dozens of men, women and children were killed. Footage of young victims foaming at the mouth and weeping in agony has thrust Syria's civil war - in which half a million people have been killed in the past seven years - to the forefront of world concern again.

Inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) travelled to Syria last week to inspect the site, but have yet to gain access to Douma, which is now under government control after the rebels withdrew.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chemical-weapons-inspectors-how-do-they-work-130954">How do chemical weapons inspectors work?&nbsp;</a>

"It is our understanding the Russians may have visited the attack site," U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Ward said at an OPCW meeting in The Hague on Monday.

"It is our concern that they may have tampered with it with the intent of thwarting the efforts of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission to conduct an effective investigation," he said. His comments at the closed-door meeting were obtained by Reuters.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied Moscow had interfered with any evidence. "I can guarantee that Russia has not tampered with the site," he told the BBC.

Increasing regional jitters, Syrian anti-aircraft defences shot down missiles fired at the Syrian air base of Shayrat in Homs province, Syrian state television said.

The Pentagon said there was no U.S. military activity in that area "at this time".

Separately, the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia said Syrian air defences intercepted three missiles aimed at Dumair military airport northeast of Damascus.

An Israeli military spokesman said: "We don't comment on such reports".

TRUMP WANTS US&nbsp;TROOPS HOME

Two days after the missile strikes that he hailed as a well-executed military operation, President Donald Trump still wants to bring the small number of U.S. troops in northern Syria home, the White House said.

But spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said he had not set a timeline for a pullout. Trump was also willing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, she added, while indicating that no such encounter was imminent.

Britain's delegation to the OPCW accused Russia and the Assad government of stopping inspectors from reaching Douma.

"Unfettered access is essential," it said in a statement. "Russia and Syria must cooperate."

The team aims to collect samples, interview witnesses and document evidence to determine whether banned toxic munitions were used, although it is not permitted to assign blame for the attack.

British Ambassador Peter Wilson said in The Hague that the United Nations had cleared the inspectors to go but they had been unable to reach Douma because Syria and Russia had been unable to guarantee their safety.

Moscow blamed the delay on the air strikes, in which the United States, France and Britain targeted what the Pentagon said were three chemical weapons facilities.

"We called for an objective investigation. This was at the very beginning after this information (of the attack) appeared. Therefore allegations of this towards Russia are groundless," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

A Russian defence ministry official said later the OPCW experts would travel to Douma on Wednesday.

Russia's defence ministry said the United States and its allies had hit military targets and not just research facilities, Interfax news agency reported.

The RIA news agency quoted the ministry as saying the Syrian military destroyed 71 out of 103 cruise missiles detected in Syrian airspace.

The inspectors met Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in the presence of Russian officers and a senior Syrian security official in Damascus for about three hours on Sunday.

OPCW inspectors have been attacked on two previous missions to the sites of chemical weapons attacks in Syria.

Syrian flags flew in Douma on Monday, security forces stood on street corners and Russian military police patrolled the streets. State aid trucks handed out bread, rice and pasta to people who had lived under siege for years.

A government-organised media tour did not include the building where, according to rescue workers and medics who were in town at the time, dozens of people were killed by poison gas.

Doctors at the hospital where suspected victims were treated told reporters on the tour that none of the patients that night had suffered chemical weapons injuries - they were asphyxiated by dust and smoke in a bombardment.

Medical aid groups and the White Helmets rescue organisation have said such statements - already aired on state television in recent days - were made under duress.

'RIGHT THING TO DO'

The U.S.-led strikes did nothing to alter the strategic balance or dent Assad's supremacy, and the Western allies have said the aim was to prevent the further use of chemical weapons, not to intervene in the civil war or topple Assad.

At a meeting in Luxembourg, the 28 EU foreign ministers endorsed the missile strikes and considered steps to deepen Assad's isolation.

Britain's May told parliament the decision to conduct air strikes against Syria was in the British national interest and not as a result of pressure from Trump.

"We have not done this because President Trump asked us to, we have done it because we believed it was the right thing to do, and we are not alone. There is broad-based international support for the action we have taken," May said.

May has said she did not seek a green light from parliament for the attacks, citing the need to act quickly.

The US added the Russians or Syrians may have tampered with evidence on the ground in Douma

The United States accused Russia on Monday of blocking international inspectors from reaching the site of a suspected poison gas attack in Syria and said Russians or Syrians may have tampered with evidence on the ground. Moscow denied the charge and blamed delays on retaliatory U.S.-led missile strikes on Syria on Saturday. British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism from political opponents over their decisions to take part in the air strikes. Syria and Russia deny unleashing poison gas on April 7 during their offensive on Douma, which ended with the recapture of the town that had been the last rebel stronghold near the capital, Damascus. Relief organisations say dozens of men, women and children were killed. Footage of young victims foaming at the mouth and weeping in agony has thrust Syria's civil war - in which half a million people have been killed in the past seven years - to the forefront of world concern again. Inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) travelled to Syria last week to inspect the site, but have yet to gain access to Douma, which is now under government control after the rebels withdrew. Also read: How do chemical weapons inspectors work? "It is our understanding the Russians may have visited the attack site," U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Ward said at an OPCW meeting in The Hague on Monday. "It is our concern that they may have tampered with it with the intent of thwarting the efforts of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission to conduct an effective investigation," he said. His comments at the closed-door meeting were obtained by Reuters. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied Moscow had interfered with any evidence. "I can guarantee that Russia has not tampered with the site," he told the BBC. Increasing regional jitters, Syrian anti-aircraft defences shot down missiles fired at the Syrian air base of Shayrat in Homs province, Syrian state television said. The Pentagon said there was no U.S. military activity in that area "at this time". Separately, the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia said Syrian air defences intercepted three missiles aimed at Dumair military airport northeast of Damascus. An Israeli military spokesman said: "We don't comment on such reports". TRUMP WANTS US TROOPS HOME Two days after the missile strikes that he hailed as a well-executed military operation, President Donald Trump still wants to bring the small number of U.S. troops in northern Syria home, the White House said. But spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said he had not set a timeline for a pullout. Trump was also willing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, she added, while indicating that no such encounter was imminent. Britain's delegation to the OPCW accused Russia and the Assad government of stopping inspectors from reaching Douma. "Unfettered access is essential," it said in a statement. "Russia and Syria must cooperate." The team aims to collect samples, interview witnesses and document evidence to determine whether banned toxic munitions were used, although it is not permitted to assign blame for the attack. British Ambassador Peter Wilson said in The Hague that the United Nations had cleared the inspectors to go but they had been unable to reach Douma because Syria and Russia had been unable to guarantee their safety. Moscow blamed the delay on the air strikes, in which the United States, France and Britain targeted what the Pentagon said were three chemical weapons facilities. "We called for an objective investigation. This was at the very beginning after this information (of the attack) appeared. Therefore allegations of this towards Russia are groundless," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. A Russian defence ministry official said later the OPCW experts would travel to Douma on Wednesday. Russia's defence ministry said the United States and its allies had hit military targets and not just research facilities, Interfax news agency reported. The RIA news agency quoted the ministry as saying the Syrian military destroyed 71 out of 103 cruise missiles detected in Syrian airspace. The inspectors met Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in the presence of Russian officers and a senior Syrian security official in Damascus for about three hours on Sunday. OPCW inspectors have been attacked on two previous missions to the sites of chemical weapons attacks in Syria. Syrian flags flew in Douma on Monday, security forces stood on street corners and Russian military police patrolled the streets. State aid trucks handed out bread, rice and pasta to people who had lived under siege for years. A government-organised media tour did not include the building where, according to rescue workers and medics who were in town at the time, dozens of people were killed by poison gas. Doctors at the hospital where suspected victims were treated told reporters on the tour that none of the patients that night had suffered chemical weapons injuries - they were asphyxiated by dust and smoke in a bombardment. Medical aid groups and the White Helmets rescue organisation have said such statements - already aired on state television in recent days - were made under duress. 'RIGHT THING TO DO' The U.S.-led strikes did nothing to alter the strategic balance or dent Assad's supremacy, and the Western allies have said the aim was to prevent the further use of chemical weapons, not to intervene in the civil war or topple Assad. At a meeting in Luxembourg, the 28 EU foreign ministers endorsed the missile strikes and considered steps to deepen Assad's isolation. Britain's May told parliament the decision to conduct air strikes against Syria was in the British national interest and not as a result of pressure from Trump. "We have not done this because President Trump asked us to, we have done it because we believed it was the right thing to do, and we are not alone. There is broad-based international support for the action we have taken," May said. May has said she did not seek a green light from parliament for the attacks, citing the need to act quickly.

Russia blocking international inspectors from reaching suspected Syria chemical attack site: US

At a meeting of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-preparing-new-sanctions-on-russia-over-syria-says-haley-130693">Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical </a>Weapons(OPCW), US envoy Kenneth Ward said Russia may have tampered with the attack site in which three Syrian chemical weapons were targeted by the US and its allies on Saturday.

"It is our understanding the Russians may have visited the attack site," US Ambassador Kenneth Ward said at a meeting of the OPCW in The Hague on Monday.

US, Britain and France in a joint operation had launched air strikes on Syria on Saturday in retaliation against alleged use of chemical weapons on civilians by the Assad regime&nbsp;in the Damascus suburb of Douma on April 7.

OPCW officials had visited Syria prior to the strikes but haven't got access to the attack site which is now under the control of the Assad government. 
&nbsp; 
"It is our concern that they may have tampered with it with the intent of thwarting the efforts of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission to conduct an effective investigation," Ward added.

Russian foreign minister&nbsp;Sergei Lavrov, however, dismissed reports of tampering, saying: "I can guarantee that Russia has not tampered with the site."

The British and&nbsp;OPCW officials have accused Russia and the Syrian government of refusing access to Douma. The inspectors aim to interview people and collect evidence of the use of chemical weapons by the Assad government.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the British accusation that Russia was to blame for holding up the inspections was "groundless".

"We called for an objective investigation. This was at the very beginning after this information [of the attack] appeared. Therefore allegations of this towards Russia are groundless," Peskov said.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e5uR6LaJJ8o" width="560"></iframe>

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, however, dismissed reports of tampering

At a meeting of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons(OPCW), US envoy Kenneth Ward said Russia may have tampered with the attack site in which three Syrian chemical weapons were targeted by the US and its allies on Saturday. "It is our understanding the Russians may have visited the attack site," US Ambassador Kenneth Ward said at a meeting of the OPCW in The Hague on Monday. US, Britain and France in a joint operation had launched air strikes on Syria on Saturday in retaliation against alleged use of chemical weapons on civilians by the Assad regime in the Damascus suburb of Douma on April 7. OPCW officials had visited Syria prior to the strikes but haven't got access to the attack site which is now under the control of the Assad government. "It is our concern that they may have tampered with it with the intent of thwarting the efforts of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission to conduct an effective investigation," Ward added. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, however, dismissed reports of tampering, saying: "I can guarantee that Russia has not tampered with the site." The British and OPCW officials have accused Russia and the Syrian government of refusing access to Douma. The inspectors aim to interview people and collect evidence of the use of chemical weapons by the Assad government. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the British accusation that Russia was to blame for holding up the inspections was "groundless". "We called for an objective investigation. This was at the very beginning after this information [of the attack] appeared. Therefore allegations of this towards Russia are groundless," Peskov said.

Russia may have tampered with Syria attack strike: US envoy Kenneth Ward

President Trump on Friday announced that he has approved military strikes in Syria against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The announcement follows a suspected chemical gas attack from the Assad regime on a rebel-held town near the Syrian capital last weekend.

Trump said a combined operation with France and Britain was underway and that they were prepared to sustain the response until Syria stopped its use of chemical weapons.

“A short time ago, I ordered the United States Armed Forces to launch precision strikes on targets associated with the chemical weapons capabilities of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad,” Trump said in a televised address from the White House.

A US official said the strikes were aimed at multiple targets and involved Tomahawk cruise missiles.

“These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster instead,” Trump said referring to Assad and his suspected role in the chemical weapons attacks.

“The purpose of our actions tonight is to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons,” Trump said.

The US president had sharply critical words for both Russia and Iran, which have backed Assad’s government.

“To Iran and to Russia, I ask, what kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children?” Trump said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said she had authorized British armed forces “to conduct co-ordinated and targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons capability.”

The military action is not about intervening in Syria’s civil war or changing its government, she said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Trump said a combined operation with France and Britain was underway.

President Trump on Friday announced that he has approved military strikes in Syria against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The announcement follows a suspected chemical gas attack from the Assad regime on a rebel-held town near the Syrian capital last weekend. Trump said a combined operation with France and Britain was underway and that they were prepared to sustain the response until Syria stopped its use of chemical weapons. “A short time ago, I ordered the United States Armed Forces to launch precision strikes on targets associated with the chemical weapons capabilities of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad,” Trump said in a televised address from the White House. A US official said the strikes were aimed at multiple targets and involved Tomahawk cruise missiles. “These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster instead,” Trump said referring to Assad and his suspected role in the chemical weapons attacks. “The purpose of our actions tonight is to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons,” Trump said. The US president had sharply critical words for both Russia and Iran, which have backed Assad’s government. “To Iran and to Russia, I ask, what kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children?” Trump said. British Prime Minister Theresa May said she had authorized British armed forces “to conduct co-ordinated and targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons capability.” The military action is not about intervening in Syria’s civil war or changing its government, she said. (With inputs from Reuters)

US, UK and France launch combined strikes on Syria chemical sites

Trump said the purpose of a campaign of airstrikes in Syria is to "establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons."

Watch: US president Donald Trump orders strike on Syria in response to alleged chemical attack

The prospect of Western military action in Syria that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East on Friday but there was no clear sign that a US-led attack was imminent.

International chemical weapons experts were travelling to Syria to investigate an alleged gas attack by government forces on the town of Douma which killed dozens of people. Two days ago US President Donald Trump warned that missiles “will be coming” in response to that attack.

The allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were eager on Friday to lay blame for the crisis not with him but with Trump.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said international relations should not depend on one person’s morning mood, in apparent reference to Trump’s tweets.

“We cannot depend on what someone on the other side of the ocean takes into his head in the morning. We cannot take such risks,” said Dvorkovich, speaking at a forum.

Russia has warned the West against attacking Assad, who is also supported by Iran, and says there is no evidence of a chemical attack in Douma, a town near Damascus which had been held by rebels until this month.

Vassily Nebenzia, Moscow’s ambassador to the United Nations, said he “cannot exclude” war between the United States and Russia.

“The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war,” he told reporters. “We hope there will be no point of no return.”

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was in contact with Washington but the atmosphere was alarming. “God forbid anything adventurous will be done in Syria following the Libyan and Iraqi experience,” he told a news conference.

Sheikh Naim Qassem, deputy leader of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, told Lebanese daily al-Joumhouria: “The conditions do not point to a total war happening ...unless Trump and (Israeli leader Benjamin) Netanyahu completely lose their minds.”

US allies have offered strong words of support for Washington but no clear military plans have yet emerged.

British Prime Minister Theresa May won backing from her senior ministers on Thursday to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria.

Some national leaders appeared anxious to avert a US-Russian showdown.

Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack and would decide whether to strike back when all necessary information had been gathered.

But on Friday he appeared conciliatory. Macron’s office said he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing concern about the deterioration of the situation in Syria and calling for more dialogue with Moscow.

NATO members Germany and the Netherlands have said they will not take part in any military action.

Tayyip Erdogan, president of Syria’s neighbour Turkey, said on Friday he had spoken by phone with Trump and Putin and told both that increasing tensions in the region was not right.

Assad tightens grip

Trump himself appeared on Thursday to cast doubt on at least the timing of any US-led military action, tweeting: “Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!”

He met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and “no final decision has been made,” the White House said in a statement.

“We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies,” it said.

Global stock markets have had a whipsaw week, largely fuelled by Trump’s tendency to change his mind over key policy issues.

A team of experts from global watchdog the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was travelling to Syria and will start its investigations into the Douma incident on Saturday, the Netherlands-based agency said.

The capture of Douma has clinched a major victory for Assad, crushing what was once a centre of the insurgency near Damascus, and underlines his unassailable position in the war.

He has cemented his control over most of the western, more heavily populated, part of the country, with rebels and jihadist insurgents largely contained to two areas on Syria’s northern and southern borders.

They still control the northwestern province of Idlib, near Turkey, and a southern region around Deraa, on the border with Jordan. Turkish forces and rebel allies control territory in northern Syria, while US-backed Kurdish forces hold wide areas of the northeast, and pockets of Islamic State fighters remain.

But none of those any longer directly threaten Assad’s grip on power, which has been reinforced by Russian air power and Iran-backed fighters on the ground.

The prospect of Western military action in Syria that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East on Friday but there was no clear sign that a US-led attack was imminent

The prospect of Western military action in Syria that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East on Friday but there was no clear sign that a US-led attack was imminent. International chemical weapons experts were travelling to Syria to investigate an alleged gas attack by government forces on the town of Douma which killed dozens of people. Two days ago US President Donald Trump warned that missiles “will be coming” in response to that attack. The allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were eager on Friday to lay blame for the crisis not with him but with Trump. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said international relations should not depend on one person’s morning mood, in apparent reference to Trump’s tweets. “We cannot depend on what someone on the other side of the ocean takes into his head in the morning. We cannot take such risks,” said Dvorkovich, speaking at a forum. Russia has warned the West against attacking Assad, who is also supported by Iran, and says there is no evidence of a chemical attack in Douma, a town near Damascus which had been held by rebels until this month. Vassily Nebenzia, Moscow’s ambassador to the United Nations, said he “cannot exclude” war between the United States and Russia. “The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war,” he told reporters. “We hope there will be no point of no return.” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was in contact with Washington but the atmosphere was alarming. “God forbid anything adventurous will be done in Syria following the Libyan and Iraqi experience,” he told a news conference. Sheikh Naim Qassem, deputy leader of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, told Lebanese daily al-Joumhouria: “The conditions do not point to a total war happening ...unless Trump and (Israeli leader Benjamin) Netanyahu completely lose their minds.” US allies have offered strong words of support for Washington but no clear military plans have yet emerged. British Prime Minister Theresa May won backing from her senior ministers on Thursday to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria. Some national leaders appeared anxious to avert a US-Russian showdown. Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack and would decide whether to strike back when all necessary information had been gathered. But on Friday he appeared conciliatory. Macron’s office said he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing concern about the deterioration of the situation in Syria and calling for more dialogue with Moscow. NATO members Germany and the Netherlands have said they will not take part in any military action. Tayyip Erdogan, president of Syria’s neighbour Turkey, said on Friday he had spoken by phone with Trump and Putin and told both that increasing tensions in the region was not right. Assad tightens grip Trump himself appeared on Thursday to cast doubt on at least the timing of any US-led military action, tweeting: “Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!” He met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and “no final decision has been made,” the White House said in a statement. “We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies,” it said. Global stock markets have had a whipsaw week, largely fuelled by Trump’s tendency to change his mind over key policy issues. A team of experts from global watchdog the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was travelling to Syria and will start its investigations into the Douma incident on Saturday, the Netherlands-based agency said. The capture of Douma has clinched a major victory for Assad, crushing what was once a centre of the insurgency near Damascus, and underlines his unassailable position in the war. He has cemented his control over most of the western, more heavily populated, part of the country, with rebels and jihadist insurgents largely contained to two areas on Syria’s northern and southern borders. They still control the northwestern province of Idlib, near Turkey, and a southern region around Deraa, on the border with Jordan. Turkish forces and rebel allies control territory in northern Syria, while US-backed Kurdish forces hold wide areas of the northeast, and pockets of Islamic State fighters remain. But none of those any longer directly threaten Assad’s grip on power, which has been reinforced by Russian air power and Iran-backed fighters on the ground.

Threat of US-Russia clash hangs over Syria

Syria and its main ally Russia blamed Israel for carrying out an attack on a Syrian air base near Homs on Monday which followed reports of a poison gas attack by President Bashar al-Assad's forces on a rebel-held town.

Israel, which has struck Syrian army locations many times in the course of its neighbour's seven-year-old civil war, has neither confirmed nor denied mounting the raid.&nbsp

But Israeli officials said the Tiyas, or T-4, air base was being used by troops from Iran and that Israel would not accept such a presence in Syria by its arch foe.

The strike took place after a suspected chemical weapons attack on the rebel-held town of Douma which, according to one Syrian aid organisation, killed at least 60 people.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump warned of a "big price to pay" after the initial reports of the poison gas attack, although the Syrian government and its main ally Russia have denied involvement.

Trump referred in a Tweet to "Animal Assad" and criticised Russia and Iran for backing the Syrian leader, directly naming Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons international watchdog said it had opened an investigation to determine what exactly had happened in Douma.

US&nbspDefence Secretary Jim Mattis on Monday raised the possibility of military action against Syria if it was proved to have carried out a chemical weapons attack.

British Prime Minister Theresa May called it "reprehensible" and said if the Assad government was found to be responsible, it would be held to account.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said such allegations were false and a provocation. Lavrov said the strike on the T-4 base was a dangerous development.

The latest incidents in Douma and Tiyas demonstrated the complex and volatile nature of the Syria war, which started in March 2011 as an anti-Assad uprising and now involves a number of countries and a myriad of insurgent groups.

Red lines

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitor, said at least 14 people were killed in Monday's air strike on the T-4 base, including foreign fighters - a reference to Iranian-backed Shi'ite militia members, mostly from Iraq, Lebanon and Iran fighting alongside the Syrian army.

Iran's Fars news agency said three Iranians were killed.

Syrian state TV initially said the United States was suspected of carrying out the attack on T-4. Washington denied this, and France, which in February had said it would strike in the event of a chemical weapons attack on civilians by Syrian government forces, said its forces were not involved.

The Russian military, whose support for Assad turned the war in his favour, said two Israeli F-15 war-planes carried out the strike. Interfax news agency cited the Russian Defence Ministry as saying Syrian air defence systems had shot down five of eight missiles fired.

Syrian state news agency SANA, citing a military source, carried a similar report. "The Israeli aggression on the T4 airport was carried out with F-15 planes that fired several missiles from above Lebanese land," it said.&nbsp

The Israeli government had no immediate comment.

Israel has accused Damascus of allowing Iran to set up a complex at the T-4 base to supply arms to its ally, Lebanon's Hezbollah, and in the past its forces have hit convoys and bases of Iranian-backed militias that fight alongside Assad's troops.

Defence analysts say a number of Russian troops are also based there and jets fly regular sorties from T-4.

Israeli opposition lawmaker Yair Lapid told Army Radio: "Israel will not accept an Iranian military presence in Syria and will not accept Iran's creeping entrenchment in Syria and this has costs."

Housing Minister Yoav Galant, while also not confirming that Israel had carried out the attack, said: "We have clear interests in Syria. We laid down red lines there, which said that we would not allow Syrian land to be a springboard for game-changing weaponry to Lebanon, we would not allow the building of an Iranian army in Syria and we would not allow the opening of another front on the Golan Heights.

"In this context we are taking action with all means, over time."

Foam at the month

As international officials worked to try to confirm the suspected chemical attack on Douma, a Syria medical relief group said at least 60 people had been killed there and more than 1,000 injured in several sites.

"The numbers keep rising as relief workers struggle to gain access to the subterranean areas where gas has entered and hundreds of families had sought refuge," said the Union of Medical Care Organizations (UOSSM).

The Syrian opposition blamed the suspected attack on government forces, who launched an air and ground assault on Douma, the last rebel-held town in the eastern Ghouta district, on Friday.

One video shared by activists showed bodies of about a dozen children, women and men, some with foam at the mouth. Reuters could not independently verify the reports.

The United States fired missiles on a Syrian air base a year ago in response to the killing of dozens of civilians in a sarin gas attack in an opposition-held town in northwest Syria, blamed on Assad.

US&nbspgovernment sources said Washington's assessment of Saturday's attack was that chemical weapons were used. The European Union also said evidence pointed to the use of chemical weapons by Assad's forces.

The United Nations Security Council will meet on Monday following rival requests by Russia and the United States.

UN&nbspwar crimes investigators had previously documented 33 chemical attacks in Syria, attributing 27 to the Assad government, which has repeatedly denied using the weapons.

UOSSM said doctors could not determine the origin of Saturday's suspected chemical attack. Dr. Muhammad, a doctor in Ghouta, said patients were coughing blood, a symptom not seen in previous chemical attacks.&nbsp

Despite the potential reprisals, the attack appears to have brought Assad closer to victory in the military campaign for eastern Ghouta launched by his Russian-backed army in February.

The rebel group Jaish al-Islam has given way to a Syrian government demand that it accept safe passage out to rebel-held areas at the Turkish border.

In Washington, Republican US&nbspSenator Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, urged Trump and his administration to destroy Assad's air capabilities, enforce safe zones inside Syria, and target Assad directly.

"This president has the chance to do exactly the opposite of (former US&nbspPresident Barack) Obama - send a strong signal that there's a new sheriff in town and America's back," Graham told Fox News in an interview.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied mounting the raid

Syria and its main ally Russia blamed Israel for carrying out an attack on a Syrian air base near Homs on Monday which followed reports of a poison gas attack by President Bashar al-Assad's forces on a rebel-held town. Israel, which has struck Syrian army locations many times in the course of its neighbour's seven-year-old civil war, has neither confirmed nor denied mounting the raid. But Israeli officials said the Tiyas, or T-4, air base was being used by troops from Iran and that Israel would not accept such a presence in Syria by its arch foe. The strike took place after a suspected chemical weapons attack on the rebel-held town of Douma which, according to one Syrian aid organisation, killed at least 60 people. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump warned of a "big price to pay" after the initial reports of the poison gas attack, although the Syrian government and its main ally Russia have denied involvement. Trump referred in a Tweet to "Animal Assad" and criticised Russia and Iran for backing the Syrian leader, directly naming Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons international watchdog said it had opened an investigation to determine what exactly had happened in Douma. US&nbspDefence Secretary Jim Mattis on Monday raised the possibility of military action against Syria if it was proved to have carried out a chemical weapons attack. British Prime Minister Theresa May called it "reprehensible" and said if the Assad government was found to be responsible, it would be held to account. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said such allegations were false and a provocation. Lavrov said the strike on the T-4 base was a dangerous development. The latest incidents in Douma and Tiyas demonstrated the complex and volatile nature of the Syria war, which started in March 2011 as an anti-Assad uprising and now involves a number of countries and a myriad of insurgent groups. Red lines The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitor, said at least 14 people were killed in Monday's air strike on the T-4 base, including foreign fighters - a reference to Iranian-backed Shi'ite militia members, mostly from Iraq, Lebanon and Iran fighting alongside the Syrian army. Iran's Fars news agency said three Iranians were killed. Syrian state TV initially said the United States was suspected of carrying out the attack on T-4. Washington denied this, and France, which in February had said it would strike in the event of a chemical weapons attack on civilians by Syrian government forces, said its forces were not involved. The Russian military, whose support for Assad turned the war in his favour, said two Israeli F-15 war-planes carried out the strike. Interfax news agency cited the Russian Defence Ministry as saying Syrian air defence systems had shot down five of eight missiles fired. Syrian state news agency SANA, citing a military source, carried a similar report. "The Israeli aggression on the T4 airport was carried out with F-15 planes that fired several missiles from above Lebanese land," it said. The Israeli government had no immediate comment. Israel has accused Damascus of allowing Iran to set up a complex at the T-4 base to supply arms to its ally, Lebanon's Hezbollah, and in the past its forces have hit convoys and bases of Iranian-backed militias that fight alongside Assad's troops. Defence analysts say a number of Russian troops are also based there and jets fly regular sorties from T-4. Israeli opposition lawmaker Yair Lapid told Army Radio: "Israel will not accept an Iranian military presence in Syria and will not accept Iran's creeping entrenchment in Syria and this has costs." Housing Minister Yoav Galant, while also not confirming that Israel had carried out the attack, said: "We have clear interests in Syria. We laid down red lines there, which said that we would not allow Syrian land to be a springboard for game-changing weaponry to Lebanon, we would not allow the building of an Iranian army in Syria and we would not allow the opening of another front on the Golan Heights. "In this context we are taking action with all means, over time." Foam at the month As international officials worked to try to confirm the suspected chemical attack on Douma, a Syria medical relief group said at least 60 people had been killed there and more than 1,000 injured in several sites. "The numbers keep rising as relief workers struggle to gain access to the subterranean areas where gas has entered and hundreds of families had sought refuge," said the Union of Medical Care Organizations (UOSSM). The Syrian opposition blamed the suspected attack on government forces, who launched an air and ground assault on Douma, the last rebel-held town in the eastern Ghouta district, on Friday. One video shared by activists showed bodies of about a dozen children, women and men, some with foam at the mouth. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. The United States fired missiles on a Syrian air base a year ago in response to the killing of dozens of civilians in a sarin gas attack in an opposition-held town in northwest Syria, blamed on Assad. US&nbspgovernment sources said Washington's assessment of Saturday's attack was that chemical weapons were used. The European Union also said evidence pointed to the use of chemical weapons by Assad's forces. The United Nations Security Council will meet on Monday following rival requests by Russia and the United States. UN&nbspwar crimes investigators had previously documented 33 chemical attacks in Syria, attributing 27 to the Assad government, which has repeatedly denied using the weapons. UOSSM said doctors could not determine the origin of Saturday's suspected chemical attack. Dr. Muhammad, a doctor in Ghouta, said patients were coughing blood, a symptom not seen in previous chemical attacks. Despite the potential reprisals, the attack appears to have brought Assad closer to victory in the military campaign for eastern Ghouta launched by his Russian-backed army in February. The rebel group Jaish al-Islam has given way to a Syrian government demand that it accept safe passage out to rebel-held areas at the Turkish border. In Washington, Republican US&nbspSenator Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, urged Trump and his administration to destroy Assad's air capabilities, enforce safe zones inside Syria, and target Assad directly. "This president has the chance to do exactly the opposite of (former US&nbspPresident Barack) Obama - send a strong signal that there's a new sheriff in town and America's back," Graham told Fox News in an interview.

Syria, Russia accuse Israel over air strike, deny chemical attack

After Trump said<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-condemns-syria-chemical-attacks-129229"> Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay"</a> over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning.

"Several missiles hit the Tayfur airport," state news agency SANA said early on Monday.&nbsp;

Pentagon said it was not conducting air strikes in Syria.

"At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria," a Pentagon spokesman said.&nbsp;

"However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable," the spokesman added.

As the reported use of chemical weapons was condemned&nbsp;worldwide the Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack.&nbsp;Russia, President Assad's old ally, called the reports "bogus".

Assad's other ally in West Asia, Iran said the reports of gas attack was "not based on facts" and was an &nbsp;"an excuse" by the United States and Western countries to take military action against Damascus.

"Such claims and allegations by the Americans and some Western countries point to a new plot against the Syrian government and people, and are an excuse to take military action against them," Iran news agency IRNA reported foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying.

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Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack.

After Trump said Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay" over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning. "Several missiles hit the Tayfur airport," state news agency SANA said early on Monday. Pentagon said it was not conducting air strikes in Syria. "At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria," a Pentagon spokesman said. "However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable," the spokesman added. As the reported use of chemical weapons was condemned worldwide the Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack. Russia, President Assad's old ally, called the reports "bogus". Assad's other ally in West Asia, Iran said the reports of gas attack was "not based on facts" and was an "an excuse" by the United States and Western countries to take military action against Damascus. "Such claims and allegations by the Americans and some Western countries point to a new plot against the Syrian government and people, and are an excuse to take military action against them," Iran news agency IRNA reported foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying.

Chemical attack row: Missiles hit Syrian military airport, Pentagon denies conducting air strikes

After reports <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chemical-attack-row-14-killed-in-syria-air-base-attack--129303">emerged of attacks on Syrian military base</a>, the Russian army accused Israel of carrying out the strikes.

The Russian media quoting the Russian defence ministry said: "Two F-15 planes of the Israeli army hit the airbase between 03:25 am and 03:53 am Moscow time (0025 GMT and 0053 GMT) with the help of eight missiles controlled remotely from Lebanese territory, without entering Syrian air space."

Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday. It said the airfield was targeted with several missiles and that the Syrian air defence was responding and had shot down eight incoming missiles.

Earlier, Syrian state media had said the US was responsible for the air strike on Tayfur airport but it was swiftly denied by Pentagon.

"At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria," a Pentagon spokesman said.&nbsp;

Tensions in Syria have risen over the weekend after reports of chemical attack being carried by the Assad regime in a&nbsp;rebel-held town called Douma.

French president Macron condemned the incident and later called President Trump to discuss the alleged attack.

Trump said the Assad regime had a "big price to pay" over the attack.&nbsp;

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Syrian state media had said the US was responsible for the air strike on Tayfur airport but it was swiftly denied by Pentagon.

After reports emerged of attacks on Syrian military base, the Russian army accused Israel of carrying out the strikes. The Russian media quoting the Russian defence ministry said: "Two F-15 planes of the Israeli army hit the airbase between 03:25 am and 03:53 am Moscow time (0025 GMT and 0053 GMT) with the help of eight missiles controlled remotely from Lebanese territory, without entering Syrian air space." Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday. It said the airfield was targeted with several missiles and that the Syrian air defence was responding and had shot down eight incoming missiles. Earlier, Syrian state media had said the US was responsible for the air strike on Tayfur airport but it was swiftly denied by Pentagon. "At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria," a Pentagon spokesman said. Tensions in Syria have risen over the weekend after reports of chemical attack being carried by the Assad regime in a rebel-held town called Douma. French president Macron condemned the incident and later called President Trump to discuss the alleged attack. Trump said the Assad regime had a "big price to pay" over the attack.

Israeli Air Force planes carried out strikes on Syrian air base: Russian defence ministry

Video posted to a social media website shows people, including several children, being treated with medicine via inhaler in an emergency clinic, in what is said to be Douma, Syria. Many were being hosed down with water.

The video emerged amid reports by a Syrian rebel group which accused government forces on Saturday (April 7) of launching a deadly chemical attack on civilians in a rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta, and a medical relief organisation said 35 people had been killed in chemical attacks on the area.

Syrian state media denied government forces had launched any chemical attack and said rebels in the eastern Ghouta town of Douma were in a state of collapse and spreading false news.

The US State Department said it was monitoring the situation and that Russia should be blamed if chemicals were used.

Reuters could not independently verify reports of a chemical attack.

The Syrian government has recaptured nearly all of eastern Ghouta from rebels in an offensive that began in February, leaving just Douma in the hands of an insurgent group, Jaish al-Islam.

Russian-backed Syrian government forces resumed the assault on Friday afternoon with heavy air strikes after days of calm.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 11 people had died in Douma as a result of suffocation caused by the smoke from conventional weapons being dropped by the government. It said a total of 70 people suffered breathing difficulties.

Rami Abdulrahman, the Observatory director, said he could not confirm if chemical weapons had been used.

Medical relief organisation Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) said a chlorine bomb hit Douma hospital, killing six people, and a second attack with "mixed agents" including nerve agents had hit a nearby building.

Basel Termanini, the US-based vice president of SAMS, told Reuters the total death toll in the chemical attacks was 35.

Syrian state media denied government forces had launched any chemical attack and said rebels in the eastern Ghouta town of Douma were in a state of collapse and spreading false news

Video posted to a social media website shows people, including several children, being treated with medicine via inhaler in an emergency clinic, in what is said to be Douma, Syria. Many were being hosed down with water. The video emerged amid reports by a Syrian rebel group which accused government forces on Saturday (April 7) of launching a deadly chemical attack on civilians in a rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta, and a medical relief organisation said 35 people had been killed in chemical attacks on the area. Syrian state media denied government forces had launched any chemical attack and said rebels in the eastern Ghouta town of Douma were in a state of collapse and spreading false news. The US State Department said it was monitoring the situation and that Russia should be blamed if chemicals were used. Reuters could not independently verify reports of a chemical attack. The Syrian government has recaptured nearly all of eastern Ghouta from rebels in an offensive that began in February, leaving just Douma in the hands of an insurgent group, Jaish al-Islam. Russian-backed Syrian government forces resumed the assault on Friday afternoon with heavy air strikes after days of calm. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 11 people had died in Douma as a result of suffocation caused by the smoke from conventional weapons being dropped by the government. It said a total of 70 people suffered breathing difficulties. Rami Abdulrahman, the Observatory director, said he could not confirm if chemical weapons had been used. Medical relief organisation Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) said a chlorine bomb hit Douma hospital, killing six people, and a second attack with "mixed agents" including nerve agents had hit a nearby building. Basel Termanini, the US-based vice president of SAMS, told Reuters the total death toll in the chemical attacks was 35.

Dozens killed in deadly gas attack reported on Syrian rebel enclave, Damascus denies

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said there would be a "big price to pay" for a chemical attack against a besieged rebel-held town in Syria where medical aid groups reported dozens of people were killed by poison gas.&nbsp;

The Syrian state denied government forces had launched any chemical attack and Russia, President Bashar al-Assad's most powerful ally, called the reports bogus.

A joint statement by the medical relief organisation Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) and the civil defence service, which operates in rebel-held areas, said 49 people had died in the attack late on Saturday in the town of Douma. Others put the toll even higher.

"Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay," Trump wrote on Twitter.

The Russian Foreign Ministry warned against any military action on the basis of "invented and fabricated excuses", saying this could lead to severe consequences.

The United States launched a cruise missile strike on a Syrian air base last year in response to a sarin gas attack in northwestern Syria blamed on Assad.

One of Trump's top homeland security advisers said on Sunday the United States would not rule out launching another missile attack. "I wouldn't take anything off the table," White House Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Adviser Thomas Bossert said in an interview on ABC's "This Week."

"We are looking into the attack at this point," he said, adding that the photos of the incident are "horrible."&nbsp;

In one video shared by activists, the lifeless bodies of around a dozen children, women and men, some of them with foam at the mouth, were seen. "Douma city, April 7 ... there is a strong smell here," a voice can be heard saying.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports.&nbsp;

Douma is in the eastern Ghouta region near Damascus. Assad has won back control of nearly all of eastern Ghouta in a Russian-backed military campaign that began in February, leaving just Douma in rebel hands.

The Ghouta offensive has been one of the deadliest in Syria's seven-year-long war, killing more than 1,600 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Facing military defeat, rebel groups in other parts of eastern Ghouta have taken safe passage to other opposition-held areas at the Turkish border. Until now, Jaish al-Islam has rejected that option, demanding it be allowed to stay in Douma.

Syrian state media said on Sunday a deal had been struck under which Jaish al-Islam would finally leave for the town of Jarablus after saying the group had asked for negotiations.

There was no immediate comment from Jaish al-Islam, which has been one of the most prominent insurgent groups in the war.

A pro-Syrian opposition TV station, Orient, said earlier talks were under way between Jaish al-Islam and Russia to reach a final settlement for Douma.

Taking Douma would seal Assad's biggest victory since 2016, and underline his unassailable position in the war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people since it mushroomed from protests against his rule in 2011.

Sheltering in basement&nbsp;

The Syrian Observatory monitoring group said it could not confirm whether chemical weapons had been used in the attack on Saturday. Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said 11 people had died in Douma as a result of suffocation caused by heavy bombardment.

Medical relief organisation SAMS said a chlorine bomb hit Douma hospital, killing six people, and a second attack with "mixed agents", including nerve agents, had hit a nearby building.

Basel Termanini, the US-based vice president of SAMS, which operates medical facilities and supports medics in Syria, told Reuters another 35 people had been killed at a nearby apartment building, most of them women and children.

The joint statement from SAMS and the civil defence said medical centres had taken in more than 500 people suffering breathing difficulties, frothing from the mouth and smelling of chlorine.

One of the victims was dead on arrival and six died later, it said. Civil defence volunteers reported more than 42 cases of people dead at their homes showing the same symptoms, it said.

Tawfik Chamaa, a Geneva-based Syrian doctor with the Syria-focused Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM), a network of Syrian doctors, said 150 people were confirmed dead and the number was growing. "The majority were civilians, women and children trapped in underground shelters," he told Reuters.&nbsp;

Syrian state news agency SANA said Jaish al-Islam was making "chemical attack fabrications in an exposed and failed attempt to obstruct advances by the Syrian Arab Army," citing an official source.

The Syrian government has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons during the conflict.

"We have received reports of many people killed and injured in Duma in the past 24 hours. We continue to be extremely concerned for people who remain in Douma who are being subjected to escalating hostilities," UN&nbsp;Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs spokeswoman Linda Tom said.

The United States launched a cruise missile strike on a Syrian air base last year in response to a sarin gas attack in northwestern Syria blamed on Assad

US President Donald Trump said there would be a "big price to pay" for a chemical attack against a besieged rebel-held town in Syria where medical aid groups reported dozens of people were killed by poison gas. The Syrian state denied government forces had launched any chemical attack and Russia, President Bashar al-Assad's most powerful ally, called the reports bogus. A joint statement by the medical relief organisation Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) and the civil defence service, which operates in rebel-held areas, said 49 people had died in the attack late on Saturday in the town of Douma. Others put the toll even higher. "Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay," Trump wrote on Twitter. The Russian Foreign Ministry warned against any military action on the basis of "invented and fabricated excuses", saying this could lead to severe consequences. The United States launched a cruise missile strike on a Syrian air base last year in response to a sarin gas attack in northwestern Syria blamed on Assad. One of Trump's top homeland security advisers said on Sunday the United States would not rule out launching another missile attack. "I wouldn't take anything off the table," White House Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Adviser Thomas Bossert said in an interview on ABC's "This Week." "We are looking into the attack at this point," he said, adding that the photos of the incident are "horrible." In one video shared by activists, the lifeless bodies of around a dozen children, women and men, some of them with foam at the mouth, were seen. "Douma city, April 7 ... there is a strong smell here," a voice can be heard saying. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. Douma is in the eastern Ghouta region near Damascus. Assad has won back control of nearly all of eastern Ghouta in a Russian-backed military campaign that began in February, leaving just Douma in rebel hands. The Ghouta offensive has been one of the deadliest in Syria's seven-year-long war, killing more than 1,600 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Facing military defeat, rebel groups in other parts of eastern Ghouta have taken safe passage to other opposition-held areas at the Turkish border. Until now, Jaish al-Islam has rejected that option, demanding it be allowed to stay in Douma. Syrian state media said on Sunday a deal had been struck under which Jaish al-Islam would finally leave for the town of Jarablus after saying the group had asked for negotiations. There was no immediate comment from Jaish al-Islam, which has been one of the most prominent insurgent groups in the war. A pro-Syrian opposition TV station, Orient, said earlier talks were under way between Jaish al-Islam and Russia to reach a final settlement for Douma. Taking Douma would seal Assad's biggest victory since 2016, and underline his unassailable position in the war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people since it mushroomed from protests against his rule in 2011. Sheltering in basement The Syrian Observatory monitoring group said it could not confirm whether chemical weapons had been used in the attack on Saturday. Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said 11 people had died in Douma as a result of suffocation caused by heavy bombardment. Medical relief organisation SAMS said a chlorine bomb hit Douma hospital, killing six people, and a second attack with "mixed agents", including nerve agents, had hit a nearby building. Basel Termanini, the US-based vice president of SAMS, which operates medical facilities and supports medics in Syria, told Reuters another 35 people had been killed at a nearby apartment building, most of them women and children. The joint statement from SAMS and the civil defence said medical centres had taken in more than 500 people suffering breathing difficulties, frothing from the mouth and smelling of chlorine. One of the victims was dead on arrival and six died later, it said. Civil defence volunteers reported more than 42 cases of people dead at their homes showing the same symptoms, it said. Tawfik Chamaa, a Geneva-based Syrian doctor with the Syria-focused Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM), a network of Syrian doctors, said 150 people were confirmed dead and the number was growing. "The majority were civilians, women and children trapped in underground shelters," he told Reuters. Syrian state news agency SANA said Jaish al-Islam was making "chemical attack fabrications in an exposed and failed attempt to obstruct advances by the Syrian Arab Army," citing an official source. The Syrian government has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons during the conflict. "We have received reports of many people killed and injured in Duma in the past 24 hours. We continue to be extremely concerned for people who remain in Douma who are being subjected to escalating hostilities," UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs spokeswoman Linda Tom said.

Trump says 'big price to pay' for Syria chemical attack

Moscow on Sunday rejected claims the Syrian regime used chemical weapons on an opposition holdout in Eastern Ghouta, after the US said Russia bore ultimate responsibility for any attack.&nbsp

"We firmly deny this information," said Major General Yuri Yevtushenko, head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Warring Sides in Syria, in comments reported by news agencies.&nbsp

"We are ready, once Douma is freed from militants, to immediately send Russian specialists in radiation, chemical, and biological defence to collect data that will confirm these claims are fabricated," he added.

'We firmly deny this information,' said Major General Yuri Yevtushenko

Moscow on Sunday rejected claims the Syrian regime used chemical weapons on an opposition holdout in Eastern Ghouta, after the US said Russia bore ultimate responsibility for any attack. "We firmly deny this information," said Major General Yuri Yevtushenko, head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Warring Sides in Syria, in comments reported by news agencies. "We are ready, once Douma is freed from militants, to immediately send Russian specialists in radiation, chemical, and biological defence to collect data that will confirm these claims are fabricated," he added.

Moscow denies claims Syrian regime used chemical weapons in Douma: Reports

A proposed United Nations resolution on a chemical weapons attack in Syria is &quot;unacceptable&quot; for Moscow and based on &quot;fake information&quot;, Russia&#39;s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.

&quot;Unfortunately, based on totally fake information, the United States, France and Great Britain have once again planted - one cannot put it any other way - into the UN&nbsp;Security Council a draft resolution which has a completely anti-Syrian character,&quot; the RIA Novosti agency quoted Zakharova as saying.

The resolution would exacerbate tensions within Syria and throughout the region, she said.

Zakharova was also quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying: &quot;We do not believe it is expedient to pass a resolution on the chemical weapons attack in its present form.&quot;

Washington, Paris and London have drawn up a draft UN&nbsp;Security Council statement condemning the attack and demanding an investigation. Russia has the power to veto it, as it has done to block all previous resolutions that would harm Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-children-become-victims-of-chemical-attack-in-syria-220">Also See:&nbsp;Children become victims of &#39;chemical attack&#39; in Syria</a>

Russia has suggested it would publicly stand by Assad and says the chemical incident which killed scores of people was likely caused by a leak from a depot controlled by Syrian rebels.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier told reporters Russia would argue at the United Nations that the rebels were to blame for the chemical contamination.

(Reuters)

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Children among the dead as opposition says Syrian government or Russian jets bombed town with toxic substance (WION)
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Russia has suggested it would publicly stand by Assad, and says the chemical incident was likely caused by Syrian rebels

A proposed United Nations resolution on a chemical weapons attack in Syria is "unacceptable" for Moscow and based on "fake information", Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday. "Unfortunately, based on totally fake information, the United States, France and Great Britain have once again planted - one cannot put it any other way - into the UN Security Council a draft resolution which has a completely anti-Syrian character," the RIA Novosti agency quoted Zakharova as saying. The resolution would exacerbate tensions within Syria and throughout the region, she said. Zakharova was also quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying: "We do not believe it is expedient to pass a resolution on the chemical weapons attack in its present form." Washington, Paris and London have drawn up a draft UN Security Council statement condemning the attack and demanding an investigation. Russia has the power to veto it, as it has done to block all previous resolutions that would harm Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Also See: Children become victims of 'chemical attack' in Syria Russia has suggested it would publicly stand by Assad and says the chemical incident which killed scores of people was likely caused by a leak from a depot controlled by Syrian rebels. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier told reporters Russia would argue at the United Nations that the rebels were to blame for the chemical contamination. (Reuters) Children among the dead as opposition says Syrian government or Russian jets bombed town with toxic substance (WION) ×

Proposed UN Syria resolution on chemical weapons attack based on 'fake information', says Russia

A United States defence official on Wednesday said they were probing the possibility that a rocket fired by the Islamic State militants at US forces in Iraq may have carried a chemical agent.&nbsp; 
 
The official said an incoming round had exploded within the base perimeter during an &quot;indirect fire&quot; attack. 
 
He assured that no one was injured in Tuesday&#39;s blast near an airfield by the northern town of Qayyarah. No one showed any immediate signs of exposure to the suspected sulfur mustard agent, the official said. 
 
The official downplayed the seriousness of the incident, saying the shell would have been &quot;militarily ineffective.&quot; 
 
&quot;Our concern is not much greater after seeing this,&quot; he said. 
 
The initial test for a mustard agent proved positive but the second test turned out negative.&nbsp; 
 
A third sample of the suspicious, tar-like black oily substance on the fragments has been sent to a laboratory for analysis.&nbsp; 
 
The troops who handled the fragments went through a standard decontamination procedure. 
 
Lat week, a factory near Mosul suspected of being used by militants to make chemical weapons was run down by US-led coalition warplanes.&nbsp; 
Observers have repeatedly alleged IS has used chemical weapons. 
 
Hundreds of US troops are working with Iraqi soldiers to strengthen the airfield ahead of an offensive on the Islamic State stronghold of Mosul.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
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Initial inspection of the fragments by a small team of US troops proved positive for a mustard agent

A United States defence official on Wednesday said they were probing the possibility that a rocket fired by the Islamic State militants at US forces in Iraq may have carried a chemical agent. The official said an incoming round had exploded within the base perimeter during an "indirect fire" attack. He assured that no one was injured in Tuesday's blast near an airfield by the northern town of Qayyarah. No one showed any immediate signs of exposure to the suspected sulfur mustard agent, the official said. The official downplayed the seriousness of the incident, saying the shell would have been "militarily ineffective." "Our concern is not much greater after seeing this," he said. The initial test for a mustard agent proved positive but the second test turned out negative. A third sample of the suspicious, tar-like black oily substance on the fragments has been sent to a laboratory for analysis. The troops who handled the fragments went through a standard decontamination procedure. Lat week, a factory near Mosul suspected of being used by militants to make chemical weapons was run down by US-led coalition warplanes. Observers have repeatedly alleged IS has used chemical weapons. Hundreds of US troops are working with Iraqi soldiers to strengthen the airfield ahead of an offensive on the Islamic State stronghold of Mosul. (WION with inputs from agencies)

US suspects chemical agent on IS rocket fired at troops in Iraq

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