UN Looking Into Chemical Weapons Allegations In Syria

UN chemical weapons experts wearing gas masks carry samples from one of the sites of an alleged chemical weapons attack in the Ain Tarma neighbourhood of Damascus in August.

UN human rights investigators say they have received allegations about the use of chemical weapons in Syria, "predominantly by government forces."

In its latest report, released on September 11, a UN commission investigating human rights abuses in Syria added that it was not possible yet to "reach a finding about the chemical agents used, their delivery systems, or the perpetrators."

It said both sides in the civil war have committed war crimes, including massacres of civilians, executions, and hostage-taking. The report said perpetrators on both sides "do not fear accountability."

The period covered in the report does not include an alleged chemical-weapons attack by government forces on August 21. A separate, much-anticipated report on that incident is being prepared by UN chemical-weapons experts.

Based on reporting by Ohchr.org and Reuters