Alwaght- Syrian government has categorically rejected accusations that army has launched chemical weapon attack in the city of Douma in Eastern Ghouta, saying such allegations are aimed at hindering Damascus anti-terrorism operations.
According to an official statement published on the state-run SANA news agency, media affiliates of Jaish al-Islam terrorist group, facing doomed collapse in its last stronghold in Douma, are repeating the allegations of using chemical weapons in order to accuse the Syrian Arab army in order to blame it on the Syrian Arab army and hinder the forces’ advance.
"The chemical fabrications, which did not serve the terrorists and their sponsors in Aleppo and Eastern Ghouta, will not serve them today either, as the Syrian state is determined to end terrorism in every square inch of Syrian territory," the statement red.
The US State Department has voiced concern about the reports of chemical weapons being used in Douma, suggesting that Russia was accountable for the brutal targeting of countless Syrians.
"We have seen multiple, very disturbing reports this afternoon regarding another possible CW attack near a hospital in Douma, Syria. Reports from a number of groups and medical personnel on the ground indicate at least 40 killed and hundreds injured, with many more families, including children, hiding in shelters but believed to be dead," the State Department’s representative told Sputnik.
Washington has also accused Damascus of chemical weapons use, alleging that “history” of such weapons being used by the country’s government was “not in dispute.”
Earlier, several media outlets had cited militants in Syria accusing the authorities in Damascus of using chemical weapons in Douma, with Jaish al-Islam claiming that the government forces had dropped a chemical bomb on Eastern Ghouta.
Last month, Damascus reported that several foreign experts were working on staging a chemical attack, which would be carried out with the help of the infamous White Helmets and would be covered by mainstream media. The same warning was issued by the Russian Center for Syria reconciliation in January.
The Syrian government has consistently denied all claims of chemical weapons use, arguing that the country’s stockpiles had been destroyed, which has been confirmed by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.