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Conflict in Syria

Russia finds evidence of mustard gas attack in Syria

The experts analyzed an unexploded projectile found in the village of Ma'arat Umm Hawsh in Northern Aleppo in September.

© EPA/MOHAMMED BADRA, archive

ALEPPO/Syria/, November 25. /TASS/. Russian military experts have obtained evidence that mustard gas was used against civilians in the Syrian province of Aleppo, experts with Russia’s Troops of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defense announced Friday.

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OPCW says ready to receive from Russia samples of chemicals used as weapons in Syria

The experts analyzed an unexploded projectile found in the village of Ma'arat Umm Hawsh in Northern Aleppo in September. It contained up to 1.5 liters of an unknown black oily liquid.

"An express analysis of its content by a portable infrared spectrometer revealed the presence of a chemical warfare blister agent known as yperite, or mustard gas," the experts said.

After samples were taken, the projectile was securely sealed and brought to a lab in the Russian Reconciliation Center in Aleppo for further study.

The September attack left more than 40 people injured. Some of the victims described symptoms similar to the use of mustard gas, banned since 1923.

Previously, Russian experts obtained evidence of the use of chlorine and white phosphorus in attacks in Syria.

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Syrian conflict

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