With the civil war in Syria still raging more than seven years since the Arab Spring, 7th April reportedly saw a deadly chemical weapon attack in Douma claiming the lives of at least 50 people a severely injuring hundreds more.

As a result of the alleged chemical attack, an emergency meeting had been held at the United Nations (UN) Security Council on Monday afternoon.

With the information provided as well as an immergence of photos on social media showing the loss and suffering of human life, many members had agreed on a formal investigation to take place concerning the use of chemical weapons in the effected area.

Though reports of the attack have not been verified, Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said that they shouldn’t be ignored by the UN.

He as well as several other States present in the meeting suggested that the Syrian government under the Assad regime were responsible.

In contrast, Syrian officials have deterred the claims stating that the information handed to the Security Council and circulating world wide had been fabricated by Western States, NGOs, white hats and the media.

Russia and Iran are supporting the Syrian Government in not only denying the claims but also warning Western States such as the US, UK and France to stop stirring up controversy.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) have began an initial investigation into the attack in a Fact-Finding mission with a discovery of more than 500 cases consistent to the attack.

Reports suggest that the victims were showing symptoms of a potent chemical attack including foaming at the mouth.

A mixture a Sarin and Chlorine is said to be the nerve agent which has caused catastrophic loss of civilian life in Douma; many men, women and children the victims of its toxicity.

Majority of the members present in the council agreed that more needs to be done in the disarmament of chemical weapons following the attack.

Donald Trump has cancelled his trip to South America to focus on Syria, pledging a ‘forceful’ response from the United States as a result of the Eastern Ghouta province massacre.

Much more needs to be done in insuring the safety of hundreds and thousands of innocent civilians trying to survive the civil war.

The world’s leaders constantly talk about ending the use of weapons of mass destruction but when are the actually going to make a change?

Source of Image: Al Jazeera – https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/douma-chemical-attack-draws-international-outrage-180408123134301.html

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