1. 5 updates

Syrian 'chemical weapon attack'

Syrian rebel fighters have alleged that the Assad regime launched "a series of chemical attacks" on the Damascus suburbs of Adra and Douma yesterday morning.

Live updates

Syrian doctor describes aftermath of 'chemical attack'

A Syrian doctor who treated victims of a reported attack in the suburbs of Damascus told ITV the symptoms presented to him were consistent with that of a chemical gas attack.

Dr Abu Ghafer said that around 5am residents in Douma and Adra reported respiratory and other problems, and that they believed the regime dropped shells in a nearby farm.

Locals believe the that regime forces dropped shells filled with Sarin gas onto neighbouring deserted fields and farms. The wind blew across remnants of the chemical.

Many people began to panic in a highly populated area.

Some had severe respiratory attacks and were given local drugs.

The majority of people treated themselves with water and damp cloths. Symptoms included breathlessness, suffocation and blurred vision. Many also had panic attacks.

– Dr Abu Ghafer, speaking to ITV News by phone

Advertisement

Syrian Coalition call on UN to investigate 'attack'

The Syrian Coalition have called on the UN to investigate the latest reports of a chemical weapon attack on civilians in Damascus, and again appealed to the international community to take action to stop the regime and hold Assad to account for war crimes. In a statement, the Coalition said:

The Syrian Coalition calls on the UN chemical weapons inspection team to investigate Ada in rural Damascus for Assad's use of toxic gas against civilians.

The Syrian Coalition reiterates its commitment tofully cooperate with the team’s mission to gather evidence on the use ofchemical weapons.

Continued international inaction leaves the lives of thousands of Syrians in danger. The Syrian Coalition denounces international negligence in regard to Assad’s use of chemical weapons and urges the international community to deliver on their promises to put an end to Assad’s crimes.

It is absolutely unacceptable that the international community continues to be passive and negligent in regards to the critical situation in Syria.

Syrian rebels allege second chemical weapon attack

Syrian rebel fighters have alleged that the Assad regime launched "a series of chemical attacks" on the Damascus suburbs of Adra and Douma yesterday morning.

Video posted on YouTube purports to show victims suffering from a range of symptoms associated with chemical weapon use.

ITV News cannot independently verify the social media content.

The use of chemical weapons is banned under the Geneva protocol.

Back to top

Latest ITV News reports