STEVEN E. WHITE

The US continues to call upon Russia to end its support of Syria, in response to a large scale chemical attack that happened late Saturday night, of April 8. According to the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organization, the attack killed around 70 people and injured at least another 500. The majority of those affected by the attack were hiding in underground bunkers and shelters, in the city of Douma, and, though the US blames Assad, he claims no responsibility of the attack.

 

The death count continues to rise, as videos capture children and adults alike, frothing at the mouth, or frozen with death written on their faces. Watch on Twitter here, and be warned, it’s not easy to watch:

https://twitter.com/LizSly/status/982755581994790913

The United States said in a statement, “The Assad regime and its backers must be held accountable and any further attacks prevented immediately. Russia, with its unwavering support for the regime, ultimately bears responsibility for these brutal attacks, targeting of countless civilians, and the suffocation of Syria’s most vulnerable communities with chemical weapons.

 

“By shielding its ally Syria, Russia has breached its commitments to the United Nations as a framework guarantor. It has betrayed the Chemical Weapons Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2118. Russia’s protection of the Assad regime and failure to stop the use of chemical weapons in Syria calls into question its commitment to resolving the overall crisis and to larger non-proliferation priorities.

 

“We continue to closely follow disturbing reports on April 7 regarding another alleged chemical weapons attack, this time targeting a hospital in Douma, Syria. Reports from a number of contacts and medical personnel on the ground indicate a potentially high number of casualties, including among families hiding in shelters. These reports, if confirmed, are horrifying and demand an immediate response by the international community.”

 

Before they take action, they are making sure the reports are accurate, as the US would ‘use all efforts available to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable.’ It is important they get this right, before taking any serious action, as many speculations have been made that this was not the work of Assad.

 

Two General Russia staff members, Valery Gerasimov,  and Sergei Lavrov, announced over the RT broadcaster and other russian medias, that they had “reliable information that fighters are preparing to stage the use by government troops of chemical weapons against the civilian population.” Gerasimov then alleged that the US are going to accuse Assad’s troops of using chemical weapons against civilians, as to give them reason to “carry out a bombing attack” on Damascus. This was broadcasted around three weeks ago.

 

Some report that terrorists stationed in Al-Tanf received 20 tons of chlorine gas, and detonators which were disguised as cigarette packs, in order to attack an area which is controlled by the terrorists. If this is true, it is the perfect ploy to start a war; maybe even a war with Russia. We do not know, as much is still speculation, and reports are not able to be confirmed yet. We will watch and update as the events roll out.