Chemical weapons experts inspect site
MAY ACCUSES ASSAD OF COVER-UP
INTERNATIONAL inspectors have entered the Syrian town where an alleged chemical attack was carried out earlier this month, following delays by Syrian and Russian authorities.
The fact-finding mission from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is investigating reports that government forces launched an April 7 chemical attack in the final stages of their campaign to retake the town from rebels.
The alleged gas attack, which Syrian activists say killed more than 40 people, prompted punitive US, British and French airstrikes. Syria and its ally Russia deny any chemical attack took place, and Russian officials have accused Britain of staging a “fake” chemical attack.
Prime Minister Theresa May says Syria and Russia, whose forces now control the town east of Damascus, are trying to cover up evidence.
Journalists were allowed access to the suspected attack sites on Monday, but the OPCW said Syrian and Russian authorities blocked the inspectors.
Survivors and witnesses who spoke to reporters described being hit by gas. Several said a strange smell started spreading and people screamed: “It’s chlorine!”
The US and France say they have evidence that Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces used poison gas in the attack.