Confirms chlorine use

The Organization for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons says it has ‘compelling confirmation’ that chlorine gas was used in fighting between regime forces and rebels in three rebel-held northern villages earlier this year. It says chlorine – a toxic gas that is not specifically classified as a chemical weapon – was used ‘systematically and repeatedly’ in fighting in the villages of Talmanes, Al Tamanah and Kafr Zeta. As chlorine is not strictly classified as a chemical weapon, the government is not required to report stockpiles of the gas. The Assad government and rebel groups have both accused each other of using chlorine in the villages.