New Evidence Shows Chemical Weapons May Have Been Used In Syria
https://nigeriaafrica1.blogspot.com/2013/06/new-evidence-shows-chemical-weapons-may.html
The United Nations Commission of Inquiry says there are “reasonable grounds” to believe toxic chemicals have indeed been used in at least four attacks in Syria’s civil war.
While more evidence is needed to determine the certainty of this claim, there were at least four instances in which substantial evidence points towards their use.
The report does not rule out the idea of rebels using chemicals weapons, while many suspect the government forces of using them.
“It is possible that anti-government armed groups may access and use chemical weapons…. though there is no compelling evidence that these groups possess such weapons or their requisite delivery systems,” the report said.
The commission’s report to the Human Rights Council accuses both sides of the civil war of committing war crimes.
While much of the world’s attention has shifted towards the riots in Turkey, the conflict in Syria between the government forces and armed rebels has not died down, to say the least.
“War crimes and crimes against humanity have become a daily reality in Syria where the harrowing accounts of victims have seared themselves on our conscience,” the report said. “There is a human cost to the increased availability of weapons.”
The two-year-old conflict has already claimed the lives of more than 70,000 people and there is wrongdoing being committed by both sides, fueling one of the ugliest civil wars in recent memory.
If chemical weapon use by either side is confirmed, international involvement is expected to increase significantly.
“There are reasonable grounds to believe that chemical agents have been used as weapons,” the report said. “It has not been possible, on the evidence available, to determine the precise chemical agents used, their delivery systems or the perpetrator.” “Conclusive findings – particularly in the absence of a large-scale attack – may be reached only after testing samples taken directly from victims or the site of the alleged attack,” it said.
The use of chemical weapons would set a dangerous precedent, one that could lead to mass casualties, which could be avoided by more conventional war tactics.
The report does not rule out the idea of rebels using chemicals weapons, while many suspect the government forces of using them.
“It is possible that anti-government armed groups may access and use chemical weapons…. though there is no compelling evidence that these groups possess such weapons or their requisite delivery systems,” the report said.
The commission’s report to the Human Rights Council accuses both sides of the civil war of committing war crimes.
While much of the world’s attention has shifted towards the riots in Turkey, the conflict in Syria between the government forces and armed rebels has not died down, to say the least.
“War crimes and crimes against humanity have become a daily reality in Syria where the harrowing accounts of victims have seared themselves on our conscience,” the report said. “There is a human cost to the increased availability of weapons.”
The two-year-old conflict has already claimed the lives of more than 70,000 people and there is wrongdoing being committed by both sides, fueling one of the ugliest civil wars in recent memory.
If chemical weapon use by either side is confirmed, international involvement is expected to increase significantly.
“There are reasonable grounds to believe that chemical agents have been used as weapons,” the report said. “It has not been possible, on the evidence available, to determine the precise chemical agents used, their delivery systems or the perpetrator.” “Conclusive findings – particularly in the absence of a large-scale attack – may be reached only after testing samples taken directly from victims or the site of the alleged attack,” it said.
The use of chemical weapons would set a dangerous precedent, one that could lead to mass casualties, which could be avoided by more conventional war tactics.
