Syria attack victims show signs of exposure to ‘nerve agents’: WHO

GENEVA: Some victims of a suspected chemical attack in Syria have symptoms consistent with exposure to a category of chemicals that includes nerve agents, the World Health Organisation said Wednesday, reports AFP.
The UN health agency said the deadly attack in Idlib province Tuesday appeared to have involved chemical weapons, pointing to the "apparent lack of external injuries reported in cases showing a rapid onset of similar symptoms, including acute respiratory distress as the main cause of death."
"Some cases appear to show additional signs consistent with exposure to organophosphorus chemicals, a category of chemicals that includes nerve agents," it said.
At least 72 civilians, among them 20 children, were killed in Tuesday's attack in rebel-held Khan Sheikhun, and dozens more were left gasping for air, convulsing, and foaming at the mouth, doctors said.
Washington and London have pointed the finger at President Bashar al-Assad's government for the attack, though the regime has denied using chemical weapons.
But WHO said there was good reason to suspect a chemical attack, noting the dozens of patients admitted to hospitals "suffering from breathing difficulties and suffocation."

Syria attack victims show signs of exposure to nerve agents: WHO

GENEVA: Some victims of a suspected chemical attack in Syria have symptoms consistent with exposure to a category of chemicals that includes nerve agents, the World Health Organisation said Wednesday, reports AFP. The UN health agency said the deadly attack in Idlib province Tuesday appeared to have involved chemical weapons, pointing to the apparent lack of external injuries reported in cases showing a rapid onset of similar symptoms, including acute respiratory distress as the main cause of death. Some cases appear to show additional signs consistent with exposure to organophosphorus chemicals, a category of chemicals that includes nerve agents, it said. At least 72 civilians, among them 20 children, were killed in Tuesdays attack in rebel-held Khan Sheikhun, and dozens more were left gasping for air, convulsing, and foaming at the mouth, doctors said. Washington and London have pointed the finger at President Bashar al-Assads government for the attack, though the regime has denied using chemical weapons. But WHO said there was good reason to suspect a chemical attack, noting the dozens of patients admitted to hospitals suffering from breathing difficulties and suffocation.