A UN report on Syria said on Tuesday that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that limited quantities of toxic chemicals have been used as weapons in at least four attacks in Syria’s civil war, but said more evidence is needed to determine the precise chemical agents used or who used them.
The UN Commission of Inquiry said conclusive findings can be reached only after testing samples taken directly from victims or the site of the alleged attacks. The commission’s report to the Human Rights Council on violations in Syria’s conflict accused both sides of committing war crimes.
President Barack Obama has said their use would be a “red line,” but the administration says it still looking for solid evidence.
The confirmed use of chemical weapons could escalate the international response to the more than two-year-old conflict, which has killed more than 70,000 people, according to the United Nations.President Barack Obama has said their use would be a “red line,” but the administration says it still looking for solid evidence.