Syria crisis: Weapons inspectors visit site of alleged chemical attack
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.UN weapons inspectors have restarted their investigation into last week’s alleged chemical attack in Damascus. Accompanied by armed rebels, UN inspectors visited the suburbs of Jobar and Zamalka, “taking samples and interviewing the victims”, Dr Ghazzan Bwadani, who treated many of those affected, told The Independent.
The Syrian deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad today blamed the West for the attacks. “We repeat that the terrorist groups are the ones that used [chemical weapons] with the help of the US, the UK and France,” he said. “This means these chemical weapons will soon be used by the same groups against the people of Europe,” he added.
President Bashar al-Assad appears to have evacuated most personnel from army and security headquarters in Damascus, while residents said trucks have been seen at military buildings, apparently transporting documents and light weapons. The United Nations High Commission on Refugees said Syria stood on the brink of an “abyss” and called on its neighbours to keep their borders open.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments