Syrian regime gas attack kills 70 in Idlib

IDLIB, Syria (Kurdistan24) – Syrian regime warplanes on Tuesday carried out a chlorine gas attack in Syria’s Idlib Province killing nearly 70 people, according to an opposition group.

The gas attacks were launched on the Khan Shaykun town in southern Idlib, according to a statement by the National Coalition opposition.

“The raids have left 70 people dead and 200 others injured,” the report read.

Additionally, a civil defense official, speaking to local media, said a Syrian regime warplane was responsible for the early Tuesday assault.

“Many children were among the victims,” he revealed.

The recent violence follows a similar gas raid on the Al-Habit town in Idlib on Monday that affected dozens of people.

“We call on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to discuss this crime and open an immediate investigation,” the opposition statement said.

The report also urged the UN to take “necessary measures to hold accountable those responsible for this crime.”

In 2016, a UN investigation panel determined chemical weapons were used by Syrian regime forces and opposition fighters in 2014 and 2015.

However, no steps were taken to hold any of the parties accountable.

Extreme exposure to chlorine gas can be devastating as it causes severe fluid buildup in the lungs, leaving the elderly and children most vulnerable.

Moreover, use of the chemical gas is widely condemned and considered a war crime under international law.

The conflict in Syria began in 2011 after the opposition group voiced their concern against the continued rule of the Assad family.

The Syrian regime, under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, responded with military force plunging the country into six years of civil war with millions killed or displaced.

Editing by Ava Homa