Claim of Syrian chemical weapons use to be investigated

THE HAGUE, Netherlands, April 29 (UPI) -- The international investigator of chemical weapons announced Tuesday a fact-finding mission will be sent to Syria to examine recent claims of gas attacks against civilians.

The Organization for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons said in a statement in The Hague, Netherlands, inspectors would arrive in Syria soon to verify if chlorine gas was used in a bombing of two villages, held by rebels, in northern Syria.

Although not verified by any evidence other than Internet videos, scores of civilians allegedly inhaled toxic gas. The number of deaths reported was low. Although Syria has denied using chlorine gas bombs, the toxic substance is not covered by the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Syria is a signatory.

The Syrian government has agreed to allow inspectors in, and has promised security in territory under its control, but inspectors must cross battle lines to visit the opposition-controlled areas where the attacks allegedly occurred.