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if you want to delete smth - you delete THAT, not revert all numerous edits/material unrelated to what you are unhappy about (reasons set out are obviously spurious)
Undid revision 837253001 by Axxxion (talk) "poorly sourced material to bolster a fringe POV" seems pretty to the point
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}}{{Campaignbox Syrian Civil War}}
}}{{Campaignbox Syrian Civil War}}


On 7 April 2018, an attack in the [[Syria]]n city of [[Douma, Syria|Douma]] reportedly killed at least 70 people.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|title=Suspected Syria chemical attack kills 70|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43686157|accessdate=8 April 2018|work=BBC News|date=8 April 2018}}</ref> It was a suspected [[chemical attack]], as on-site [[medic]]s said exposure to [[chlorine gas|chlorine]] gas and [[sarin]] nerve agent killed the victims.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/08/dozens-reported-dead-chemical-attack-insyria-us-blames-russia/|title=Russia blames Israel for attack on Syrian air base as pressure mounts over gas atrocity|first1=Chris|last1=Graham|first2=Charlotte|last2=Krol|first3=Rob|last3=Crilly|first4=Josie|last4=Ensor|first5=Steven|last5=Swinford|first6=Ben|last6=Riley-Smith|first7=Louis|last7=Emanuel|date=8 April 2018|publisher=|accessdate=9 April 2018|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref> The attack was attributed to the [[Syrian Army]] by rebel forces in Douma, non-governmental aid and medical workers there, as well as by the [[United States]] and its allies.<ref name=reuters>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/trump-says-ordered-precision-strikes-against-syria-chemical-weapons-capabilities-idUSKBN1HJ0ZS|title=Trump says ordered precision strikes against Syria chemical weapons...|last=Editorial|first=Reuters|work=U.S.|access-date=14 April 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414032815/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/trump-says-ordered-precision-strikes-against-syria-chemical-weapons-capabilities-idUSKBN1HJ0ZS|archivedate=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="washington_post">{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-launches-missile-strikes-in-syria/2018/04/13/c68e89d0-3f4a-11e8-974f-aacd97698cef_story.html|title=U.S. launches missile strikes in Syria|first1=Anne|last1=Gearan|first2=Missy|last2=Ryan|date=13 April 2018|work=The Washington Post|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414012259/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-launches-missile-strikes-in-syria/2018/04/13/c68e89d0-3f4a-11e8-974f-aacd97698cef_story.html|archivedate=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Both Syria and Russia denied any involvement; several days after the incident Russia's foreign ministry, defence ministry, and envoy to [[Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons|OPCW]] said the video evidence was staged and filmed by rebels at the behest of the British intelligence as a pretext for foreign intervention.<ref name="tasstopbrass" /><ref name="tassopcw" /><ref name="reutersdefence" />
On 7 April 2018, an attack in the [[Syria]]n city of [[Douma, Syria|Douma]] reportedly killed at least 70 people.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|title=Suspected Syria chemical attack kills 70|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43686157|accessdate=8 April 2018|work=BBC News|date=8 April 2018}}</ref> It was a suspected [[chemical attack]], as on-site [[medic]]s said exposure to [[chlorine gas|chlorine]] gas and [[sarin]] nerve agent killed the victims.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/08/dozens-reported-dead-chemical-attack-insyria-us-blames-russia/|title=Russia blames Israel for attack on Syrian air base as pressure mounts over gas atrocity|first1=Chris|last1=Graham|first2=Charlotte|last2=Krol|first3=Rob|last3=Crilly|first4=Josie|last4=Ensor|first5=Steven|last5=Swinford|first6=Ben|last6=Riley-Smith|first7=Louis|last7=Emanuel|date=8 April 2018|publisher=|accessdate=9 April 2018|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref> The attack was attributed to the [[Syrian Army]] by rebel forces in Douma, non-governmental aid and medical workers there, as well as by the [[United States]] and its allies.<ref name=reuters>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/trump-says-ordered-precision-strikes-against-syria-chemical-weapons-capabilities-idUSKBN1HJ0ZS|title=Trump says ordered precision strikes against Syria chemical weapons...|last=Editorial|first=Reuters|work=U.S.|access-date=14 April 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414032815/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/trump-says-ordered-precision-strikes-against-syria-chemical-weapons-capabilities-idUSKBN1HJ0ZS|archivedate=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="washington_post">{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-launches-missile-strikes-in-syria/2018/04/13/c68e89d0-3f4a-11e8-974f-aacd97698cef_story.html|title=U.S. launches missile strikes in Syria|first1=Anne|last1=Gearan|first2=Missy|last2=Ryan|date=13 April 2018|work=The Washington Post|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414012259/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-launches-missile-strikes-in-syria/2018/04/13/c68e89d0-3f4a-11e8-974f-aacd97698cef_story.html|archivedate=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Both Syria and Russia denied any involvement; several days after the incident Russia's foreign ministry and a Russian envoy to [[Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons|OPCW]] said the video evidence was staged and filmed by rebels at the behest of the British intelligence as a pretext for foreign intervention.<ref name="tasstopbrass" /><ref name="tassopcw" />
== Background ==
== Background ==
{{Main|Use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Civil War|Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018)|Siege of Eastern Ghouta}}
{{Main|Use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Civil War|Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018)|Siege of Eastern Ghouta}}
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=== Media investigations ===
=== Media investigations ===
On 16 April 2018, British reporter [[Robert Fisk]] visited the site of the alleged attack under the supervision of the Syrian government, where he was given a videotape and was told by a doctor that the apparent gassing victims in it instead suffered [[Hypoxia (medical)|hypoxia]] from [[dust]] after shelling by the Syrian government artillery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syria-chemical-attack-gas-douma-robert-fisk-ghouta-damascus-a8307726.html|title=The search for truth in the rubble of Douma - and one doctor’s doubts over the chemical attack|date=16 April 2018|publisher=}}</ref> [[CBS]] journalist [[Seth Doane]] also traveled to Douma on 16 April, where a neighbor reported a choking gas that smelled like chlorine. A man took him to the alleged site of the impact, where a missile rested.<ref name="CBS">[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/syria-inside-douma-the-site-of-apparent-chemical-attack-2018-04-16/ "We couldn't breathe": Inside Douma, Syria, the site of apparent chemical attack], CBS, April 16, 2018, 6:31 PM</ref> [[Eliot Higgins]], a [[citizen journalist]] and blogger investigating the Syrian civil war,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/11/25/rocket-man-2|title=Rocket Man|first=Patrick Radden|last=Keefe|date=18 November 2013|publisher=|via=www.newyorker.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/with-isis-assad-and-putin-exposed-whos-next-on-citizen-journalist-eliot-higgins-list-9983831.html|title=With Isis, Assad and Putin exposed, who's next on citizen journalist|date=18 January 2015|publisher=}}</ref> concluded based on geographical, video, and open source evidence that the chlorine gas was dropped by helicopters coming from [[Dumayr Airbase]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2018/04/11/open-source-survey-alleged-chemical-attacks-douma-7th-april-2018/|title=Open Source Survey of Alleged Chemical Attacks in Douma on 7th April 2018 - bellingcat|date=11 April 2018|publisher=}}</ref>
On 16 April, [[Robert Fisk]] visited the site of the attack under the supervision of the Syrian government and "drifted off" on his own to investigate. He was given a videotape and was told by a doctor that the apparent gassing victims in it instead suffered [[Hypoxia (medical)|hypoxia]] from [[dust]] after shelling by the Syrian government artillery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syria-chemical-attack-gas-douma-robert-fisk-ghouta-damascus-a8307726.html|title=The search for truth in the rubble of Douma - and one doctor’s doubts over the chemical attack|date=16 April 2018|publisher=}}</ref> [[CBS]] journalist [[Seth Doane]] also traveled to Douma on 16 April, where a neighbor reported a choking gas that smelled like chlorine. A man took him to the alleged site of the impact, where a missile rested.<ref name="CBS">[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/syria-inside-douma-the-site-of-apparent-chemical-attack-2018-04-16/ "We couldn't breathe": Inside Douma, Syria, the site of apparent chemical attack], CBS, April 16, 2018, 6:31 PM</ref> [[Eliot Higgins]], a [[citizen journalist]] and blogger investigating the Syrian civil war,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/11/25/rocket-man-2|title=Rocket Man|first=Patrick Radden|last=Keefe|date=18 November 2013|publisher=|via=www.newyorker.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/with-isis-assad-and-putin-exposed-whos-next-on-citizen-journalist-eliot-higgins-list-9983831.html|title=With Isis, Assad and Putin exposed, who's next on citizen journalist|date=18 January 2015|publisher=}}</ref> concluded based on geographical, video, and open source evidence that the chlorine gas was dropped by helicopters coming from [[Dumayr Airbase]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2018/04/11/open-source-survey-alleged-chemical-attacks-douma-7th-april-2018/|title=Open Source Survey of Alleged Chemical Attacks in Douma on 7th April 2018 - bellingcat|date=11 April 2018|publisher=}}</ref>

On 18 April 2018, the [[Russia-24|Russia-24 TV channel]] aired an investigative report and an interview with one of the boys, Hasan Diab, who can be seen as one of the alleged victims of the alleged chemical attack in the video publicised on 7 April, as well as his father, both of whom said that the boy had been enticed into the scene and made to participate in the staging of the attack, which actually never happened.<ref>[https://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=3008643 За кулисами "сирийского голливуда": найдены свидетели постановки съемок "химатаки" в Думе] vesti.ru, 18 April 2018.</ref><ref>[https://www.rt.com/news/424563-douma-boy-chemical-video/ Staged suffering? Interview with boy in Douma video raises more doubts over ‘chem attack’] RT, 19 April 2018.</ref><ref>[https://ria.ru/syria/20180418/1518931222.html?referrer_block=index_main_1 Участвовавший в съемке "химатаки" в Думе мальчик рассказал ее подробности] RIA Novosti, 18 April 2018.</ref><ref name="mostimezakh">[https://themoscowtimes.com/news/russia-claims-syrian-chemical-attack-videos-were-staged-61211 Russia Claims Syrian Chemical Attack Videos Were Staged] [[The Moscow Times]], 19 April 2018.</ref> The following day, the reportage was referenced by the Russian foreign ministry′s spokesperson; Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, [[Vasily Nebenzya]], said it would be shown to the representatives of the UN Security Council members.<ref>[http://tass.com/politics/1000676 UN to see interview with Syrian boy lured into White Helmets staged Douma attack video] [[TASS]], 19 April 2018.</ref><ref name="mostimezakh" />


== Reactions ==
== Reactions ==
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[[Russia]] and [[Iran]] have said the Douma attack was a [[false flag]] attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/08/trump-big-price-to-pay-suspected-syria-chemical-weapons-attack|title=Trump: 'big price to pay' for Syria chemical weapons attack|first1=Martin|last1=Chulov|first2=Kareem|last2=Shaheen|first3=Angelique|last3=Chrisafis|first4=Martin|last4=Pengelly|date=8 April 2018|website=the Guardian}}</ref>
[[Russia]] and [[Iran]] have said the Douma attack was a [[false flag]] attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/08/trump-big-price-to-pay-suspected-syria-chemical-weapons-attack|title=Trump: 'big price to pay' for Syria chemical weapons attack|first1=Martin|last1=Chulov|first2=Kareem|last2=Shaheen|first3=Angelique|last3=Chrisafis|first4=Martin|last4=Pengelly|date=8 April 2018|website=the Guardian}}</ref>


{{flag|Russia}} – The [[Russian foreign ministry|Russian Foreign Ministry]] on 8 April denied chemical weapons had been used, denouncing the reports as another example of a "continuous series of fake news about the use of chlorine and other chemical agents by the government forces".<ref>{{cite news|title=Moscow calls ‘chemical attack’ in Douma ‘fake news,’ warns against Syrian intervention|url=https://www.rt.com/news/423524-douma-chemical-attack-fake-moscow/|accessdate=8 April 2018|work=RT|date=8 April 2018}}</ref> A few days later, the Russian military said members of the [[White Helmets (Syrian Civil War)|White Helmets organization]] filmed a staged attack, and Russian experts who researched the site on 9 April had detected no trace of any chemical weapons.<ref>[https://www.newsru.com/russia/11apr2018/rupoliceinsyria.html Генштаб РФ объявил об отправке в Думу российской военной полиции] NEWSru, 11 April 2018.</ref><ref name="tassdoumastaged">[http://tass.com/defense/999108 White Helmets staged Douma ‘chemical weapons attack’ on civilians — Russian General Staff] TASS, 11 April 2018.</ref> Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman [[Igor Konashenkov]] said Russia had evidence of the 'United Kingdom's direct involvement' in the organization of what he referred to as 'the provocation in [[Ghouta|Eastern Ghouta]]'.<ref name="tasstopbrass">[http://tass.com/defense/999641 Russian top brass reports it has proof of UK’s involvement in Douma chemical incident] TASS, 12 April 2018.</ref> On 13 April, the Russian [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Ministry of Defence]] said Britain "staged" the attack in order to provoke U.S. airstrikes.<ref name="reutersdefence">[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-provocati/russia-says-britain-helped-fake-syria-chemical-attack-idUSKBN1HK24P Russia says Britain helped fake Syria chemical attack] Reuters, 13 April 2018.</ref><ref name="staggedattackApr18">{{cite news|title=Syria 'chemical attack' staged to provoke U.S. airstrikes, London pushed perpetrators – Russian MoD|url=https://www.rt.com/news/424047-russian-mod-syria-statement/|accessdate=13 April 2018|work=RT.com|date=13 April 2018}}</ref><ref name=usatoday413>{{cite news|title=Russia blames UK for Syria chemical attack that killed dozens, many of them children|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/13/russia-syria-chemical-attack-fabrication-foreign-intelligence-agency/514039002/|accessdate=13 April 2018|work=usatoday.com|agency=Associated Press|date=13 April 2018}}</ref> On April 16, Aleksandr Shulgin, Russian envoy to [[Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons]] said Russia had "irrefutable evidence" that the attack in Douma was staged by UK secret services and “pseudo-humanitarian NGOs” that work under foreign adversaries of the Syrian government.<ref name="tassopcw">[http://tass.com/politics/1000124 Envoy to OPCW says Russia found participants of staged 'chemical attack' video in Syria] TASS, 16 April 2018.</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.rt.com/news/424280-russia-evidence-chemical-attack-staged/|title=Moscow has ‘irrefutable’ evidence chem attack in Syria’s Douma was staged – Russia’s envoy to OPCW|work=RT International|access-date=2018-04-16|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>[https://www.newsru.com/world/16apr2018/provokaciya.html Россия обвинила спецслужбы Великобритании и их "старших союзников из Вашингтона" в постановке химатаки в Думе] [[NEWSru]], 16 April 2018.</ref>
{{flag|Russia}} – The [[Russian foreign ministry|Russian Foreign Ministry]] on 8 April denied chemical weapons had been used, denouncing the reports as another example of a "continuous series of fake news about the use of chlorine and other chemical agents by the government forces".<ref>{{cite news|title=Moscow calls ‘chemical attack’ in Douma ‘fake news,’ warns against Syrian intervention|url=https://www.rt.com/news/423524-douma-chemical-attack-fake-moscow/|accessdate=8 April 2018|work=RT|date=8 April 2018}}</ref> A few days later, the Russian military said members of the [[White Helmets (Syrian Civil War)|White Helmets organization]] filmed a staged attack, and Russian experts who researched the site on 9 April had detected no trace of any chemical weapons.<ref>[https://www.newsru.com/russia/11apr2018/rupoliceinsyria.html Генштаб РФ объявил об отправке в Думу российской военной полиции] NEWSru, 11 April 2018.</ref><ref name="tassdoumastaged">[http://tass.com/defense/999108 White Helmets staged Douma ‘chemical weapons attack’ on civilians — Russian General Staff] TASS, 11 April 2018.</ref> Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman [[Igor Konashenkov]] said Russia had evidence of the 'United Kingdom's direct involvement' in the organization of what he referred to as 'the provocation in [[Ghouta|Eastern Ghouta]]'.<ref name="tasstopbrass">[http://tass.com/defense/999641 Russian top brass reports it has proof of UK’s involvement in Douma chemical incident] TASS, 12 April 2018.</ref> On 13 April, the Russian [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Ministry of Defence]] said Britain "staged" the attack in order to provoke U.S. airstrikes.<ref name="staggedattackApr18">{{cite news|title=Syria 'chemical attack' staged to provoke U.S. airstrikes, London pushed perpetrators – Russian MoD|url=https://www.rt.com/news/424047-russian-mod-syria-statement/|accessdate=13 April 2018|work=RT.com|date=13 April 2018}}</ref><ref name=usatoday413>{{cite news|title=Russia blames UK for Syria chemical attack that killed dozens, many of them children|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/13/russia-syria-chemical-attack-fabrication-foreign-intelligence-agency/514039002/|accessdate=13 April 2018|work=usatoday.com|agency=Associated Press|date=13 April 2018}}</ref> On April 16, Aleksandr Shulgin, Russian envoy to [[Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons]] said Russia had "irrefutable evidence" that the attack in Douma was staged by UK secret services and “pseudo-humanitarian NGOs” that work under foreign adversaries of the Syrian government.<ref name="tassopcw">[http://tass.com/politics/1000124 Envoy to OPCW says Russia found participants of staged 'chemical attack' video in Syria] TASS, 16 April 2018.</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.rt.com/news/424280-russia-evidence-chemical-attack-staged/|title=Moscow has ‘irrefutable’ evidence chem attack in Syria’s Douma was staged – Russia’s envoy to OPCW|work=RT International|access-date=2018-04-16|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>[https://www.newsru.com/world/16apr2018/provokaciya.html Россия обвинила спецслужбы Великобритании и их "старших союзников из Вашингтона" в постановке химатаки в Думе] [[NEWSru]], 16 April 2018.</ref>


{{flag|Syria}} – The Syrian state-owned [[Syrian Arab News Agency]] reported a Foreign Ministry source called allegations of Syria's use of chemical weapons an unconvincing stereotype.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=133561|title=Foreign Ministry: Allegations of using chemical weapons unconvincing stereotype – Syrian Arab News Agency|website=sana.sy|accessdate=9 April 2018}}</ref>
{{flag|Syria}} – The Syrian state-owned [[Syrian Arab News Agency]] reported a Foreign Ministry source called allegations of Syria's use of chemical weapons an unconvincing stereotype.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=133561|title=Foreign Ministry: Allegations of using chemical weapons unconvincing stereotype – Syrian Arab News Agency|website=sana.sy|accessdate=9 April 2018}}</ref>

Revision as of 17:45, 19 April 2018

Douma chemical attack
Part of the Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018), Siege of Eastern Ghouta, Syrian Civil War
TypeChemical attack
Location
Douma, Rif Dimashq Governorate, Syria

33°34′16″N 36°24′17″E / 33.57111°N 36.40472°E / 33.57111; 36.40472
Date7 April 2018
06:30[citation needed] (UTC+03:00)
Executed bySyrian Arab Army (accused)[1][2]
Casualties48–85[3][4] killed
500+[5] injured
Douma is located in Syria
Douma
Douma
Location of Douma within Syria

On 7 April 2018, an attack in the Syrian city of Douma reportedly killed at least 70 people.[5] It was a suspected chemical attack, as on-site medics said exposure to chlorine gas and sarin nerve agent killed the victims.[6] The attack was attributed to the Syrian Army by rebel forces in Douma, non-governmental aid and medical workers there, as well as by the United States and its allies.[7][8] Both Syria and Russia denied any involvement; several days after the incident Russia's foreign ministry and a Russian envoy to OPCW said the video evidence was staged and filmed by rebels at the behest of the British intelligence as a pretext for foreign intervention.[9][10]

Background

Main articles: Use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Civil War, Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018), and Siege of Eastern Ghouta

Bashar al-Assad's forces have used chemical weapons in multiple attacks, according to OPCW and United Nations investigations.[11][12][13] Human Rights Watch has documented 85 chemical weapons attacks in Syria since 2013.[14] People reported incidents of chemical weapons use specifically in Douma in January 2018; Russia vetoed a potential United Nations mission to investigate.[15][16] Two smaller chlorine gas attacks have been also reported in the city of Douma one month before—one on 7 March and another on 11 March.[17]

Douma had been under rebel control since 18 October 2012,[18] and, with the rest of the Eastern Ghouta region, under siege since April 2013.[19] The Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018), code-named Operation Damascus Steel, a military offensive launched by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies on 18 February 2018 to capture the rebel-held territory.[20][21] The Jaysh al-Islam rebel coalition controlled Douma.[22][23][24][23][24] By mid-March, rebel territory in Eastern Ghouta had reduced to three pockets, one in the south around Hamouria held by Faylaq al-Rahman; a second in the west around Harasta held by Ahrar al-Sham; as well as Douma in the north held by Jaysh al-Islam.[25] In the second half of March, the other two pockets were secured via evacuation deals between the rebels, Syria, and Russia.[26][27][28] On 31 March, the last of the evacuations was conducted and the Syrian army declared victory in Eastern Ghouta, while the rebels that were still holding out in Douma were given an ultimatum to surrender by the end of the day.[29]

On 13 March 2018, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, said the Russian military had "reliable intelligence" that suggested the rebels holding Eastern Ghouta, along with the White Helmets activists, were preparing to stage and film a chemical weapons attack against civilians, which the U.S. government would blame on the Syrian forces and use as a pretext to bomb the government quarter in Damascus.[30][31][32] In the event that the lives of Russian servicemen should be threatened by U.S. strikes, Gerasimov said Russia would respond militarily — "against both the missiles and the platforms from which they’re launched".[33][34] Gerasimov′s statement was interpreted by Nic Robertson of CNN as an indication that the chemical attack in Douma had been planned by Russia in advance as an asymmetric warfare tactic in response to reactions by the West after the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal.[35]

Reports about the incident

The chemical attack in Douma reportedly happened on 7 April 2018. The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations, a humanitarian organization that supervises medical services in the region, attributed seventy deaths to the attack. On-site medics reported chlorine gas and sarin nerve agent caused the deaths.[6] A video from the scene showed dead men, women, and children with foam at their mouths.[36] The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) reported over 500 injured people at Douma "were brought to local medical centers with symptoms indicative of exposure to a chemical agent."[37] SAMS also said a chlorine bomb struck a Douma hospital, killing six people, and that another attack with "mixed agents" affected a building nearby.[38] According to the Syrian opposition groups, witnesses also reported a strong smell of chlorine and said effects appeared stronger than in previous similar attacks.[39] Syrian opposition activists also posted videos of yellow compressed gas cylinders that they said were used during the attack.[39] Based on the symptoms and the speed with which the victims were affected, medical workers and experts suggested either a combination of chlorine with another gas or a nerve agent was used.[39] Several medical,[40] monitoring, and activist groups[5]—including the White Helmets—reported Syrian Army helicopters dropped barrel bombs on the city of Douma.[41][42][43][44][45] The bombs, suspected to be filled with chemical munitions such as chlorine gas and sarin,[46][47] caused severe convulsions in some residents and suffocated others.[36]

Aftermath

Further information: 2018 bombing of Damascus and Homs

The day after the chemical attack, all rebels controlling Douma agreed to a deal with the government to surrender the area.[48]

In the early hours of 9 April 2018, an airstrike was conducted against Tiyas Military Airbase, reportedly killing several people.[49] The United States denied launching the airstrike, and an Israeli spokeswoman declined to comment.[50] Russia said Israel was responsible, and that two Israeli F-15I jets attacked the airfield from Lebanese airspace, firing eight missiles, of which five were intercepted, according to claims by Russia.[51] According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor, at least 14 people were killed and more were wounded.[52] Al-Masdar News reported seven Iranian soldiers among the dead.[53]

On 10 April, member states proposed competing UN Security Council resolutions to handle the response to the chemical attack. The U.S., France, and UK vetoed a Russian-proposed UN resolution. Russia had also vetoed the U.S.'s proposed resolution to create "a new investigative mechanism to look into chemical weapons attacks in Syria and determine who is responsible."[54][55]

On 14 April, France, the United Kingdom and the United States launched airstrikes against four Syrian government targets in response to the attack.[56]

OPCW investigation

On 10 April, the Syrian and Russian governments invited the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to send a team to investigate the attacks.[57][58] The investigators arrived to Douma on April 14[59], however Russian and the Syrian governments blocked the OPCW investigation team from entering Douma, saying they can not guarantee their safety.[60][61] Concerns were also raised by US ambassador Kenneth Ward that Russia was trying to conceal the evidence, and that Russia had tampered with the site of the attack to thwart the OPCW fact finding mission; Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied any tampering had occurred.[61]

On 17 April, the OPCW was promised to gain access to the site, but had not entered Douma[62] and was unable to carry out the inspection because their teams came under fire during a reconnaissance to visit sites of the chemical weapons attack. According to OPCW director, “On arrival at site one, a large crowd gathered and the advice provided by the UNDSS was that the reconnaissance team should withdraw,” and “at site two, the team came under small arms fire and an explosive was detonated. The reconnaissance team returned to Damascus.”[63]

Media investigations

On 16 April, Robert Fisk visited the site of the attack under the supervision of the Syrian government and "drifted off" on his own to investigate. He was given a videotape and was told by a doctor that the apparent gassing victims in it instead suffered hypoxia from dust after shelling by the Syrian government artillery.[64] CBS journalist Seth Doane also traveled to Douma on 16 April, where a neighbor reported a choking gas that smelled like chlorine. A man took him to the alleged site of the impact, where a missile rested.[65] Eliot Higgins, a citizen journalist and blogger investigating the Syrian civil war,[66][67] concluded based on geographical, video, and open source evidence that the chlorine gas was dropped by helicopters coming from Dumayr Airbase.[68]

Reactions

Government

Syrian government and allies

Russia and Iran have said the Douma attack was a false flag attack.[69]

 Russia – The Russian Foreign Ministry on 8 April denied chemical weapons had been used, denouncing the reports as another example of a "continuous series of fake news about the use of chlorine and other chemical agents by the government forces".[70] A few days later, the Russian military said members of the White Helmets organization filmed a staged attack, and Russian experts who researched the site on 9 April had detected no trace of any chemical weapons.[71][72] Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Russia had evidence of the 'United Kingdom's direct involvement' in the organization of what he referred to as 'the provocation in Eastern Ghouta'.[9] On 13 April, the Russian Ministry of Defence said Britain "staged" the attack in order to provoke U.S. airstrikes.[73][74] On April 16, Aleksandr Shulgin, Russian envoy to Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said Russia had "irrefutable evidence" that the attack in Douma was staged by UK secret services and “pseudo-humanitarian NGOs” that work under foreign adversaries of the Syrian government.[10][75][76]

 Syria – The Syrian state-owned Syrian Arab News Agency reported a Foreign Ministry source called allegations of Syria's use of chemical weapons an unconvincing stereotype.[77]

 Iran – The Foreign Ministry of Iran spokesman said: "While the Syrian army has the upper hand in the war against armed terrorists, it is not logical for them to use chemical weapons. Such claims and accusations [about chemical weapons use] by the Americans and some Western countries signal a new plot against the government and nation of Syria and is an excuse for military action against them."[78]

France, UK, and US

On 10 April, U.S. President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Theresa May, and French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement following joint telephone calls that they had "agreed that the international community needed to respond to uphold the worldwide prohibition on the use of chemical weapons".[79]

 France – On 12 April, French President Emmanuel Macron said he has proof that the Syrian government attacked the town of Douma with chemical weapons and at least used chlorine.[2][80] The BBC quotes U.S. officials as saying urine and blood samples taken from victims have tested positively for traces of chlorine.[81]

 United Kingdom – Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said regarding reports on chemical attacks that "these latest reports must urgently be investigated and the international community must respond" and that "investigators from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons [are] looking into reports of chemical weapons use in Syria have our full support. Russia must not yet again try to obstruct these investigations". He also condemned the use of chemical weapons in general, adding that "those responsible for the use of chemical weapons have lost all moral integrity and must be held to account."[82]

 United States – President Donald Trump condemned the attack on Twitter, heavily criticizing Russia over it, saying "many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay. Open area immediately for medical help and verification. Another humanitarian disaster for no reason whatsoever. SICK!"[83][84] Trump canceled his trip to the 8th Summit of the Americas, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place.[85]

On 11 April, via Twitter, President Trump told Russia to "get ready" for "nice and new and 'smart' missiles," adding, "You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Vasily Nebenzia, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, said the United States would "bear responsibility" for any "illegal military adventure" they conducted.[86] The following day, Trump appeared to soften his resolve, tweeting he "[n]ever said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!"[87] On 14 April, France, the United Kingdom and the United States launched airstrikes against four Syrian government targets in response to the attack.

U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis stated the U.S. is still waiting on the OPCW investigation, but that there were "a lot of media and social media indicators that either chlorine or sarin was used" in Douma.[88][89]

Regional

 Qatar – The Qatar Foreign Ministry condemned the use of chemical weapons, and called for an investigation into the incident and for punishment of those involved.[90]

 Saudi Arabia – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the use of chemical weapons, and stress the need for a peaceful solution based on the principles of the Geneva Declaration and UN Security Council resolutions.[91]

 Turkey – A spokesman for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the "Syrian regime must give account for the attacks in various regions of the country at different times,” and called upon the international community to address war crimes and crimes against humanity.[92][93]

Intergovernment

 European Union – In a statement, the EU said "the evidence points towards yet another chemical attack by the regime" and "it is a matter of grave concern that chemical weapons continue to be used, especially on civilians. The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the use of chemical weapons and calls for an immediate response by the international community". It also called for the United Nations Security Council to identify the perpetrators and for Russia and Iran to influence Assad against launching such attacks.[94]

 United Nations – On 10 April 2018, the United Nations Security Council failed to adopt three competing resolutions on an inquiry into the chemical attack, with Russia and the United States clashing over the issue and exchanging military threats.[95][96]

WHO: The World Health Organization released a statement that, with a reference to outside medical sources, said the symptoms described were "consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals".[97]

See also

References

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