UN chemical experts confirm use of sarin gas in Syria attack

UN chemical weapons investigator Ake Sellstrom handed over his report on the August 21 gas attack on Damascus suburbs and the report confirmed use of the deadly nerve agent sarin.

According to news agencies, the report stated “On the basis of the evidence obtained during the investigation of the Ghouta incident, the conclusion is that chemical weapons have been used in the ongoing conflict between the parties in the Syrian Arab Republic … against civilians, including children, on a relatively large scale.”

It said “In particular the environmental, chemical and medical samples we have collected provide clear and convincing evidence that surface to surface rockets containing the nerve agent sarin were used.”

The report was submitted to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and is due to be released officially.

The content of Sellstrom’s investigation is not at all surprising as several weeks ago U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry publicized that sarin had been used in the chemical attack on the Ghouta region near Damascus. As per the figures given by the United States around 1,400 people were killed, including more than 400 children.

Ban had said on Friday that Assad “has committed many crimes against humanity,” although he did not mention that whether it was Assad’s forces or rebels who were responsible for the August 21 attack. He added that Assad would be held to explain for his crimes.

The confirmation of the use of sarin gas has been made public at a time when France, Britain and the United States agreed at three-way Paris talks to look for a “strong and robust” UN resolution that puts in place specific and compulsory deadlines on removal of chemical weapons.

Earlier, Russia and the United States had struck a deal on chemical weapons that could avoid US military strike.

However, it is still not clear whether the full report will comprise details that suggest culpability, as Sellstrom’s authorization is restricted to investigating the facts, not assigning blame.

Syria and Russia have blamed the August 21 attack on the rebels. The rebels, the United States and other Western powers blame forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for the Ghouta attack.