OPCW team enters Douma, collects site samples for investigation

Chemical weapons watchdog Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) had its team visit Doumatodayto 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'sinability 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.

Nauertalso 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.