Syria: Upwards of 70 die in suspected chemical attack in Douma April 7

Event

At least 70 people have been killed in an attack on Douma, the last opposition-controlled city in Eastern Ghouta, on the evening of Saturday, April 7. Multiple unverified sources – including medical, monitoring and activists groups – have reported details which suggest the use of chemical weapons in the attack, which has been blamed on government forces. According to local sources, more than 500 people are being treated in medical centers for symptoms that indicate exposure to chemical agents. Sources indicate that the initial attack targeted a hospital, and spread to residential areas. Syrian state media has denied that government forces have launched any chemical attacks, and have accused rebel forces of fabricating news.

Context

Syrian government forces bombarded Douma on April 6, marking the end of a temporary ceasefire in the area. At least 32 people died in a coordinated air and ground offensive. The assault reportedly comes as Russia-brokered negotiations between the Syrian government and the Jaysh Al-Islam rebel group have fizzled. Additional fighting and further casualties are expected in the coming days in the absence of a restart of negotiations between the sides. The precise nature of the talks between the Syrian government and Jaysh Al-Islam over Douma has not been released.

More than 1600 people have been killed and thousands of others wounded since the beginning of the regime and allied forces offensive on the area on February 18. According to the UN, over 130,000 people have fled Eastern Ghouta since the assault began; many thousands of others remain encircled in Douma. The Ghouta area was one of the last strongholds of Syrian opposition fighters in the Damascus region.

A UN mission has confirmed the use in August 2013 of Sarin gas in a rebel-held area of Eastern Ghouta, without being able to state who was behind this attack. One year ago, the Syrian government was held responsible for a Sarin attack against the city of Khan Sheikhoun, which killed more than 80 people. On its side, Damascus has repeatedly denied the use of chemical weapons stating its entire arsenal has been destroyed.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.