Damascus (Agencies): At least 70 people including children and women were killed and several others were injured in a reported chemical gas attack on the rebel-held city of Douma in Eastern Ghouta, Syrian opposition activists and rescuers said on Sunday,
The alleged attack in the town of Douma occurred late Saturday amid a resumed offensive by Syrian government forces after the collapse of a truce.
The Syrian government and its ally, Russia, however, denied any involvement in the alleged gas attack.
The groups, including the White Helmets, the Douma Coordination Committee and the Ghouta Media Center, claimed that toxic gas inside barrel bombs dropped by helicopters over the city caused people to suffocate and choke, CNN reported.
Syrian state media cited official source stating that the government forces had not launched any chemical attack. The official added that the reports were a “blatant attempt to hinder the army’s advance” into the stronghold of rebels.
According to SANA, he further said that the army “does not need to use any chemical materials as claimed by terrorists’ media affiliates.”
The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM), citing doctors and activists in Syria, told media that at least 70 people were killed and 500 injured in a massive suspected chemical or poison gas attack.