Evidence of Chemical Weapons Use by Terrorists in Aleppo: Russian Experts

Russian military experts have found unexploded shells indicating that terrorists in Aleppo have been using chemical weapons in their regular attacks on civilian and Syrian government-held areas of the city, according to a Russian Defense Ministry statement.

“While conducting reconnaissance in the ‘1070’ area [south-western suburbs of Aleppo], the officers of the scientific center of the Russian Troops of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defense (RChBD) have found evidence of chemical weapon use by terrorists against the civilian population and Syrian servicemen,” spokesperson for the Russian Defense Ministry Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said in a statement early on Friday.

At least two people were killed and dozens injured as a result of the attack in the ‘1070’ area of the city, the Russian military added. Traces of chlorine and white phosphorus were detected during initial analysis of the samples. “After conducting an express analysis in a mobile laboratory it was determined that the toxic substances that filled the militants’ artillery ammunition were with high probability chlorine and white phosphorus,” Konashenkov added.

Neighborhood ‘1070’ recently fell under the control of the Syrian army. However, the area continues to be shelled. Those delivered to the hospital experienced respiratory problems, exhibited by choking and coughing, and experienced visual disturbances.