Syria accuses rebels of using chemical weapons, injuring 50 people

Syria released photos of victims of toxic gas inhalation being treated in Aleppo on November 24. Photo: AFP.

Witnesses said they smelled toxic gas after rebels began shelling two positions in Aleppo. “This is the first time we have smelled something like this,” a patient told Syrian state television on November 24 while at a hospital.

Syrian officials suspect the shells contained toxic gas. Fifty people are being treated for symptoms of breathing difficulties and blurred vision. Haj Taha medical staff believe they may have been exposed to chlorine gas. At least two people, including a child, are in critical condition, according toAP.

Rebels around the city, however, deny this. Rebel commander Abdel-Salam Abdel-Razak, who once worked for the Syrian government's chemical weapons program, said the fighters did not have the capability to fire the gas-filled cannons. "These are lies," Abdel-Razak wrote on Twitter.

Aleppo was recaptured by government forces in 2016 but rebels have stepped up shelling of the city in recent weeks, prompting government forces to respond.

Since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, the government and rebels have accused each other of using chemical weapons. The US has twice carried out air strikes in Syria after government forces were reported to have used chemical weapons in Khan Sheikhoun and Douma.