"Compelling confirmation" of chlorine gas used as weapon in Syria

There is "compelling confirmation" that a toxic chemical was used as a weapon in Syria, according to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The OPCW fact-finding mission, appointed to examine alleged uses of chemical weapons in northern Syria, says the substance was used "systematically and repeatedly".

The mission says it is able to conclude with "a high degree of confidence", that chlorine, pure or in mixture, is the toxic chemical.
At least 1,400 people were gassed to death in the suburbs of Damascus in August 2013, and spates of new allegations have taken place since then.

This is the second report of the OPCW, whose first fact-finding mission results were published last June.

This new report now presents key findings from dozens of interviews with victims, first responders and eyewitnesses to the attacks.
The fact-finding mission is reportedly continuing its investigation.

SOURCE: Stephanie Coutrix, United Nations.