BREAKING NEWS

Western experts: Nerve agent rockets seen behind Syria strike

By REUTERS

AUGUST 23, 2013 20:48

LONDON - While much remains sketchy about the apparent gassing of Syrians on the outskirts of Damascus, Western experts believe rockets or missiles were used to disperse a nerve agent in the worst chemical attack in a quarter of a century.

They suspect an organophosphate agent, most likely sarin gas, was involved in Wednesday's attack. However, the basic chemical agent may have been mixed with other substances acting as preservatives and perhaps also to alter or add to the effects of the gas.

"Because they are non persistent agents, they dissipate very quickly," said Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former head of Britain's military counter-nuclear, biological and chemical warfare force and now a private contractor.

"In pure military terms, the idea is to drop these things on a population, kill lots of people very quickly, and then your own forces can go in without suffering consequences."

Heavy rains in southern Brazil kill nearly 60, over 70 still missing

By REUTERS

05/05/2024 04:13 AM

US synagogues evacuate due to bomb threats

By REUTERS

05/05/2024 03:47 AM

Pro-Palestine protests disrupt graufdaiton festivities

By REUTERS

05/05/2024 03:42 AM

Ex-advisor of MK Naama Lazimi arrested during Jerusalem protests

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

05/05/2024 03:37 AM