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'{{short description|military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving chemical weapons}} {{Use American English|date=April 2017}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}} {{Infobox operational plan | name = Douma chemical attack | partof = the [[Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018)]], [[Siege of Eastern Ghouta]], [[Syrian Civil War]] | image = | caption = | scope = | type = [[Airstrike]], chemical attack | location = [[Douma, Syria|Douma]], [[Rif Dimashq Governorate]], [[Syria]] | coordinates = {{coord|33|34|16|N|36|24|17|E}} | map_type = Syria | map_size = 250 | map_caption = Location of Douma within Syria | map_label = Douma | planned = | planned_by = | commanded_by = | objective = | target = | date = 7 April 2018 | time = 07:30 p.m.<ref name=IICI2018report/> | time-begin = | time-end = | timezone =[[UTC+03:00]] | executed_by = [[Syrian Arab Air Force]] (accused)<ref name="suffocate">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/08/world/middleeast/syria-chemical-attack-ghouta.html |title=Dozens Suffocate in Syria as Government Is Accused of Chemical Attack |first=Ben |last=Hubbard |date=8 April 2018 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=8 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409025126/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/08/world/middleeast/syria-chemical-attack-ghouta.html |archive-date=9 April 2018 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="BBCApr12" /><br/> | outcome =[[2018 missile strikes against Syria|US, UK, France launch retaliatory missile strikes]] | casualties = | fatalities = 48–85<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/10/middleeast/damascus-trump-threats-intl/index.html|title=Trump's Syria threat dismissed on streets of Damascus|first=Tamara Qiblawi and Frederik Pleitgen,|last=CNN|publisher=|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411103655/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/10/middleeast/damascus-trump-threats-intl/index.html|archive-date=11 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180409-death-toll-rises-to-85-in-syria-east-ghouta-chemical-attack/|title=Death toll rises to 85 in Syria East Ghouta chemical attack|date=9 April 2018|publisher=Middle East Monitor|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416200716/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180409-death-toll-rises-to-85-in-syria-east-ghouta-chemical-attack/|archive-date=16 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | injuries = 500+<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|title=Suspected Syria chemical attack kills 70|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43686157|accessdate=8 April 2018|work=BBC News|date=8 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408004357/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43686157|archive-date=8 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/08/syria-chemical-attack-latest-trump/497216002/|title=Syria chemical attack would be the eighth since Trump took office|publisher=USA Today|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410193124/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/08/syria-chemical-attack-latest-trump/497216002/|archive-date=10 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> }}{{Campaignbox Syrian Civil War}} On 7 April 2018, a [[Chemical warfare|chemical attack]] in the [[Syria]]n city of [[Douma, Syria|Douma]] reportedly killed at least 70 people. The attack was attributed to the [[Syrian Army]] by rebel forces in Douma, non-governmental aid and medical workers there, and by a number of countries, including the [[United States]], most [[NATO]] members, and the [[European Union]].<ref name=reuters>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/trump-says-ordered-precision-strikes-against-syria-chemical-weapons-capabilities-idUSKBN1HJ0ZS|title=Trump says ordered precision strikes against Syria chemical weapons...|last=Editorial|first=Reuters|work=U.S.|access-date=14 April 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414032815/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/trump-says-ordered-precision-strikes-against-syria-chemical-weapons-capabilities-idUSKBN1HJ0ZS|archivedate=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="washington_post">{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-launches-missile-strikes-in-syria/2018/04/13/c68e89d0-3f4a-11e8-974f-aacd97698cef_story.html|title=U.S. launches missile strikes in Syria|first1=Anne|last1=Gearan|first2=Missy|last2=Ryan|date=13 April 2018|work=The Washington Post|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414012259/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-launches-missile-strikes-in-syria/2018/04/13/c68e89d0-3f4a-11e8-974f-aacd97698cef_story.html|archivedate=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Syria and Russia's defense ministries stated that "the attack did not happen and video evidence for it was staged and directed by British intelligence".<ref name="tasstopbrass">[http://tass.com/defense/999641 Russian top brass reports it has proof of UK’s involvement in Douma chemical incident] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414010501/http://tass.com/defense/999641 |date=14 April 2018 }} TASS, 12 April 2018.</ref><ref name="tassopcw">[http://tass.com/politics/1000124 Envoy to OPCW says Russia found participants of staged 'chemical attack' video in Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417024516/http://tass.com/politics/1000124 |date=17 April 2018 }} TASS, 16 April 2018.</ref> On 14 April 2018, the United States, France and the United Kingdom carried out [[2018 missile strikes against Syria|a series of military strikes]] against multiple government sites in Syria. On 6 July 2018 an interim report was issued by the [[Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons]] (OPCW). Various [[chlorinate]] [[organic chemicals]] ([[Dichloroacetic acid|dichloroacetic acid]], [[Trichloroacetic acid|trichloroacetic acid]], [[Chlorophenol|chlorophenol]], [[Dichlorophenol|dichlorophenol]], bornyl chloride, [[Chloral hydrate|chloral hydrate]] etc.) were found in samples, along with residues of explosive, but the designated laboratory 03 stated that no [[Chemical Weapons Convention|CWC-scheduled chemicals]] or [[Nerve agent|nerve agent]] related chemicals were detected. In September 2018 the UN Commission of Enquiry on Syria reported: "Throughout 7 April, numerous aerial attacks were carried out in Douma, striking various residential areas. A vast body of evidence collected by the Commission suggests that, at approximately 7.30 p.m., a gas cylinder containing a chlorine payload delivered by helicopter struck a multi-storey residential apartment building located approximately 100 metres south-west of Shohada square. The Commission received information on the death of at least 49 individuals, and the wounding of up to 650 others."<ref name=IICI2018report>[https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/CoISyria/A_HRC_39_65_EN.docx] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913002533/https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/CoISyria/A_HRC_39_65_EN.docx |date=13 September 2018 }} Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, Section 92</ref> While it was initially unclear which chemicals had been used, in 2019 the OPCW FFM (Fact-Finding Mission) report concluded: "Regarding the alleged use of toxic chemicals as a weapon on 7 April 2018 in Douma, the Syrian Arab Republic, the evaluation and analysis of all the information gathered by the FFM—witnesses’ testimonies, environmental and biomedical samples analysis results, toxicological and ballistic analyses from experts, additional digital information from witnesses—provide reasonable grounds that the use of a toxic chemical as a weapon took place. This toxic chemical contained reactive chlorine. The toxic chemical was likely molecular chlorine."<ref>opcw.org [https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/03/s-1731-2019%28e%29.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302015913/https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/03/s-1731-2019%28e%29.pdf |date=2 March 2019 }}</ref> The OPCW said it found no evidence to support the government's claim that a local facility was being used by rebel fighters to produce chemical weapons.<ref>BBC News 1 March 2019 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-47424266] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302162657/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-47424266 |date=2 March 2019 }}</ref> == Background == {{Main|Use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Civil War|Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018)|Siege of Eastern Ghouta}} According to [[Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons]] (OPCW) and [[United Nations]] investigations, both the [[Syrian Arab Republic]]'s forces and opposition militants have used [[chemical weapons]] during the conflict.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/timeline-chemical-weapons-attacks-syria-54367351|title=Timeline of chemical weapons attacks in Syria|first=ABC|last=News|publisher=|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418031513/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/timeline-chemical-weapons-attacks-syria-54367351|archive-date=18 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-opcw-timeline/timeline-of-investigations-into-syrias-chemical-weapons-idUSKBN1HG1M7|title=Timeline of investigations into Syria's chemical weapons|first=Reuters|last=Editorial|publisher=Reuters|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418031511/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-opcw-timeline/timeline-of-investigations-into-syrias-chemical-weapons-idUSKBN1HG1M7|archive-date=18 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/timeline-syria-chemical-weapons-civil-war-article-1.3020430|title=A timeline of Syria’s chemical weapons use in civil war|publisher=|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421061246/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/timeline-syria-chemical-weapons-civil-war-article-1.3020430|archive-date=21 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Human Rights Watch]] has documented 85 [[Use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Civil War|chemical weapons attacks in Syria]] since 2013, and its sources indicate the Syrian government is responsible for the majority.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2018/04/16/how-many-chemical-attacks-have-been-documented-in-syria-infographic/#dd3f6265a1ed|title=How Many Chemical Attacks Have Been Documented In Syria? [Infographic]|first=Niall|last=McCarthy|publisher=|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417192856/https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2018/04/16/how-many-chemical-attacks-have-been-documented-in-syria-infographic/#dd3f6265a1ed|archive-date=17 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> People reported incidents of chemical weapons use specifically in Douma in January 2018; Russia vetoed a potential United Nations mission to investigate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/23/middleeast/us-russia-un-chemical-weapons-syria/index.html|title=Things got heated between the US and Russia today at the UN|first=Richard Roth,|last=CNN|publisher=|accessdate=9 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409110220/https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/23/middleeast/us-russia-un-chemical-weapons-syria/index.html|archive-date=9 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>[https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/u-s-has-no-evidence-of-syrian-use-of-sarin-gas-mattis-says U.S. has no evidence of Syrian use of sarin gas, Mattis says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409141641/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/u-s-has-no-evidence-of-syrian-use-of-sarin-gas-mattis-says |date=9 April 2018 }}. PBS, 2 February 2018</ref> The [[Arms Control Association]] reported two smaller [[Chlorine gas poisoning|chlorine gas]] attacks in Douma on 7 March and 11 March.<ref name="Arms control">{{cite web |url=https://www.armscontrol.org/taxonomy/term/17 |title=Timeline of Syrian Chemical Weapons Activity, 2012–2018 |publisher=[[Arms Control Association]] |first1=Daryl |last1=Kimball |first2=Kelsey |last2=Davenport |date=April 2018 |access-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412082646/https://www.armscontrol.org/taxonomy/term/17 |archive-date=12 April 2018 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Douma had been under rebel control since 18 October 2012,<ref name="Capture of Douma">{{cite news|last=Di Giovanni|first=Janine|title=Denial Is Slipping Away as War Arrives in Damascus|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/world/middleeast/syrian-war-reaches-damascus.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&smid=tw-share&&pagewanted=print|date=18 October 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=20 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203040632/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/world/middleeast/syrian-war-reaches-damascus.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&smid=tw-share&&pagewanted=print|archive-date=3 February 2016|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and, with the rest of the Eastern Ghouta region, [[Siege of Eastern Ghouta|under siege]] since April 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43343266|title=UN convoy delivers aid to Eastern Ghouta amid 'calm'|date=9 March 2018|publisher=BBC News|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625211054/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43343266|archive-date=25 June 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The [[Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018)]], code-named Operation Damascus Steel, a [[Offensive (military)|military offensive]] launched by the [[Syrian Arab Army]] (SAA) and its allies on 18 February 2018 to capture the rebel-held territory.<ref name="kill71">{{cite news|last=Osborne|first=Samuel|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-civil-war-assad-regime-killed-air-striked-wounded-eastern-ghouta-rebel-damascus-a8218001.html|title=Syrian government air strikes kill 71 and wound 325 in 24 hours, monitor says|date=19 February 2018|work=The Independent|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408132826/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-civil-war-assad-regime-killed-air-striked-wounded-eastern-ghouta-rebel-damascus-a8218001.html|archive-date=8 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="ready">{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20180218-syria-forces-ready-assault-rebel-enclave|title=Syria forces ready for assault on rebel enclave|date=18 February 2018|publisher=France 24|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220151841/http://www.france24.com/en/20180218-syria-forces-ready-assault-rebel-enclave|archive-date=20 February 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The [[Jaysh al-Islam]] rebel coalition controlled Douma.<ref>"[http://www.dw.com/en/which-rebel-groups-are-fighting-in-syrias-eastern-ghouta/a-42663501 Which rebel groups are fighting in Syria's eastern Ghouta?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227083307/http://www.dw.com/en/which-rebel-groups-are-fighting-in-syrias-eastern-ghouta/a-42663501 |date=27 February 2018 }}". Deutsche Welle. 20 February 2018.</ref><ref name="aljazeera">"[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/syria-state-media-jaish-al-islam-agrees-leave-ghouta-douma-180401115350429.html Reports of Douma evacuation deal 'not true': council member] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408113609/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/syria-state-media-jaish-al-islam-agrees-leave-ghouta-douma-180401115350429.html |date=8 April 2018 }}". Al-Jazeera. 1 April 2018.</ref><ref name="SBS">"[https://www.sbs.com.au/news/who-are-the-rebel-groups-fighting-in-syria-s-eastern-ghouta Who are the rebel groups fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government forces in Eastern Ghouta?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408065540/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/who-are-the-rebel-groups-fighting-in-syria-s-eastern-ghouta |date=8 April 2018 }}" SBS News. 2 March 2018.</ref><ref name="aljazeera" /><ref name="SBS" /> By mid-March, rebel territory in Eastern Ghouta had reduced to three pockets, one in the south around [[Hamouria]] held by [[Faylaq al-Rahman]]; a second in the west around [[Harasta]] held by [[Ahrar al-Sham]]; as well as Douma in the north held by Jaysh al-Islam.<ref name="BBC">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43414348 Syria war: Thousands flee Eastern Ghouta as army advances] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628111042/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43414348 |date=28 June 2018 }}, BBC, 15 March 2018</ref> In the second half of March, the other two pockets were secured via evacuation deals between the rebels, Syria, and Russia.<ref>[https://www.afp.com/en/news/826/thousands-flee-ghouta-rebel-enclave-syria-army-advances-doc-12k4je3 Thousands flee Ghouta rebel enclave as Syria army advances] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316154116/https://www.afp.com/en/news/826/thousands-flee-ghouta-rebel-enclave-syria-army-advances-doc-12k4je3 |date=16 March 2018 }}, AFP</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-evacuation/syrian-rebels-reach-evacuation-deal-in-eastern-ghouta-town-rebel-sources-idUSKBN1GW39R|title=Syrian rebels agree to evacuate town in Ghouta: sources|first=Reuters|last=Editorial|website=Reuters|accessdate=24 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322080224/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-evacuation/syrian-rebels-reach-evacuation-deal-in-eastern-ghouta-town-rebel-sources-idUSKBN1GW39R|archive-date=22 March 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="deal agreed">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/23/ceasefire-deal-agreed-in-syrias-eastern-ghouta|date=23 March 2018|title=Ceasefire deal agreed in Syria's eastern Ghouta|access-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418060405/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/23/ceasefire-deal-agreed-in-syrias-eastern-ghouta|archive-date=18 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 31 March, the last of the evacuations was conducted and the Syrian army declared victory in Eastern Ghouta, while the rebels that were still holding out in Douma were given an ultimatum to surrender by the end of the day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/state-tv-towns-syrias-ghouta-cleared-rebels-54144500|title=Syrian army declares victory as rebels vacate most of Ghouta|first=ABC|last=News|publisher=|access-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403054239/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/state-tv-towns-syrias-ghouta-cleared-rebels-54144500|archive-date=3 April 2018|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ==Reports== A chemical attack in Douma occurred on 7 April 2018. The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations, a humanitarian organization that supervises medical services in the region, attributed seventy deaths to the attack. On-site medics reported smelling a [[chlorine gas|chlorine]]-like odour, but that symptoms and death toll pointed to something more noxious such as [[sarin]] nerve agent caused the deaths.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/08/dozens-reported-dead-chemical-attack-insyria-us-blames-russia/|title=Russia blames Israel for attack on Syrian air base as pressure mounts over gas atrocity|first1=Chris|last1=Graham|first2=Charlotte|last2=Krol|first3=Rob|last3=Crilly|first4=Josie|last4=Ensor|first5=Steven|last5=Swinford|first6=Ben|last6=Riley-Smith|first7=Louis|last7=Emanuel|date=8 April 2018|publisher=|accessdate=9 April 2018|via=www.telegraph.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409010530/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/08/dozens-reported-dead-chemical-attack-insyria-us-blames-russia/|archive-date=9 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> A video from the scene showed dead men, women, and children with foam at their mouths.<ref name="BBC April 8" /> The [[Syrian American Medical Society]] (SAMS) reported over 500 injured people at Douma "were brought to local medical centers with symptoms indicative of exposure to a chemical agent."<ref>{{cite news|title=Dozens killed in apparent chemical weapons attack on civilians in Syria, rescue workers say|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/dozens-killed-in-apparent-chemical-weapons-attack-on-civilians-in-eastern-ghouta--rescue-workers/2018/04/08/231bba18-3ac0-11e8-af3c-2123715f78df_story.html|newspaper=[[Washington Post]]|date=8 April 2018|accessdate=9 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412014259/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/dozens-killed-in-apparent-chemical-weapons-attack-on-civilians-in-eastern-ghouta--rescue-workers/2018/04/08/231bba18-3ac0-11e8-af3c-2123715f78df_story.html|archive-date=12 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> SAMS also said a chlorine bomb struck a Douma hospital, killing six people, and that another attack with "mixed agents" affected a building nearby.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dw.com/en/dozens-dead-in-suspected-chemical-weapons-attack-in-syria/a-43296814|title=Dozens dead in suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria|publisher=[[dw.com]]|date=8 April 2018|accessdate=9 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408114300/http://www.dw.com/en/dozens-dead-in-suspected-chemical-weapons-attack-in-syria/a-43296814|archive-date=8 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> According to the Syrian opposition groups, witnesses also reported a strong smell of chlorine and said effects appeared stronger than in previous similar attacks.<ref name=WPapr11>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/04/11/chlorine-sarin-or-something-else-the-big-questions-in-alleged-syrian-chemical-weapons-attack/|title=Chlorine, sarin or something else? The big questions in the alleged Syrian chemical weapons attack.|newspaper=[[Washington Post]]|date=11 April 2018|accessdate=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412094954/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/04/11/chlorine-sarin-or-something-else-the-big-questions-in-alleged-syrian-chemical-weapons-attack/|archive-date=12 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Syrian opposition activists also posted videos of yellow compressed gas cylinders that they said were used during the attack.<ref name=WPapr11 /> Based on the symptoms and the speed with which the victims were affected, medical workers and experts suggested either a combination of chlorine with another gas or a nerve agent was used.<ref name=WPapr11 /> Several medical,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta/syrian-rebels-evacuated-from-douma-reach-northwest-monitor-idUSKBN1HH19M |title=Syrian rebels evacuated from Douma reach northwest: monitor |publisher=[[Reuters]] |date=10 April 2018 |access-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411070450/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta/syrian-rebels-evacuated-from-douma-reach-northwest-monitor-idUSKBN1HH19M |archive-date=11 April 2018 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> monitoring, and activist groups<ref name="bbc" />—including the [[White Helmets (Syrian Civil War)|White Helmets]]—reported that two [[Syrian Air Force]] [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8]] helicopters dropped [[barrel bombs]] on the city of [[Douma, Syria|Douma]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/695031/syria-chemical-attack-us-uk-france-military-action-russia-vladimir-putin-trump-may-douma|title=UK, US and France agree to HIT BACK over Syria chemical attack|date=10 April 2018|publisher=|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412042046/https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/695031/syria-chemical-attack-us-uk-france-military-action-russia-vladimir-putin-trump-may-douma|archive-date=12 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43686157|title=Suspected Syria chemical attack kills 70|date=8 April 2018|publisher=|via=www.bbc.com|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412001321/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43686157|archive-date=12 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lusher|first=Adam|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-chemical-weapons-attack-latest-sarin-douma-eastern-ghouta-nerve-agent-chlorine-russia-us-uk-a8294741.html|title=Syrian government accused of using nerve agents as death toll from Douma 'chemical weapons attack' rises|date=8 April 2018|work=The Independent|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412082234/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-chemical-weapons-attack-latest-sarin-douma-eastern-ghouta-nerve-agent-chlorine-russia-us-uk-a8294741.html|archive-date=12 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/07/middleeast/syria-suspected-chemical-attack/index.html |title=Dozens dead in possible gas attack in Syria; regime denies allegation |first=Steve |last=Almasy |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=8 April 2018 |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412163548/https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/07/middleeast/syria-suspected-chemical-attack/index.html |archive-date=12 April 2018 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/dozens-killed-in-apparent-chemical-weapons-attack-on-civilians-in-eastern-ghouta--rescue-workers/2018/04/08/231bba18-3ac0-11e8-af3c-2123715f78df_story.html |title=Dozens killed in apparent chemical weapons attack on civilians in Syria, rescue workers say |date=8 April 2018 |first1=Louisa |last1=Loveluck |first2=Erin |last2=Cunningham |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=9 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412014259/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/dozens-killed-in-apparent-chemical-weapons-attack-on-civilians-in-eastern-ghouta--rescue-workers/2018/04/08/231bba18-3ac0-11e8-af3c-2123715f78df_story.html |archive-date=12 April 2018 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/11/world/middleeast/syria-chemical-attack-douma.html|title=In a Syrian Town, People Started Shouting: ‘Chemicals! Chemicals!’|last=Hubbard|first=Ben|date=2018-04-11|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-03-13|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|quote=A network of citizen observers that tracks Syrian aircraft said that two Mil Mi-8 helicopters, which they said belonged to the Syrian government, had been seen flying from the Dumayr air base toward Douma near the time of the attack.}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> The bombs caused severe convulsions in some residents and suffocated others.<ref name="BBC April 8">{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43691291 | title=Syria war: Trump condemns Syria for 'chemical attack' on Douma | publisher=BBC | date=8 April 2018 | accessdate=8 April 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408194759/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43691291 | archive-date=8 April 2018 | dead-url=no | df=dmy-all }}</ref> == Aftermath == {{further|2018 missile strikes against Syria}} The day after the chemical attack, all rebels controlling Douma agreed to a deal with the government to surrender the area.<ref>{{cite news|title=America vows to respond to a suspected chemical attack in Syria|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21740282-donald-trump-says-there-will-be-big-price-pay|accessdate=10 April 2018|work=[[The Economist]]|date=9 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409191713/https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21740282-donald-trump-says-there-will-be-big-price-pay|archive-date=9 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In the early hours of 9 April 2018, an airstrike was conducted against [[Tiyas Military Airbase]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43694588 Syria conflict: Strikes hit Syrian airfield, state media report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412094420/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43694588 |date=12 April 2018 }}, BBC, 9 April 2018</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/syria-says-suspected-u-s-missiles-fired-at-air-base-washington-denies-strike-idUSKBN1HG04Q Syria says suspected U.S. missiles fired at air base; Washington denies strike] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171452/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/syria-says-suspected-u-s-missiles-fired-at-air-base-washington-denies-strike-idUSKBN1HG04Q |date=9 April 2018 }}, Reuters, 9 April 2018</ref> Two Israeli [[F-15I]] jets reportedly attacked the airfield from Lebanese airspace, firing eight missiles, of which five were intercepted, according to claims by Russia.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-09/syria-base-is-hit-after-suspected-chemical-weapons-attack Russia Says Israel Carried Out Missile Attack on Syrian Base] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409173035/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-09/syria-base-is-hit-after-suspected-chemical-weapons-attack |date=9 April 2018 }}, Bloomberg, 9 April 2018</ref> According to the [[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]] monitor, at least 14 people were killed and more were wounded.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/russia-syria-blame-israel-for-deadly-strike-on-syrian-air-base/|title=Russia, Syria blame Israel for deadly strike on Syrian air base|publisher=Times of Israel|date=9 April 2018|accessdate=9 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409172230/https://www.timesofisrael.com/russia-syria-blame-israel-for-deadly-strike-on-syrian-air-base/|archive-date=9 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Al-Masdar News]] reported seven Iranian soldiers among the dead.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/israeli-attack-on-t-4-airbase-killed-7-iranian-soldiers/|title=Israeli attack on T-4 Airbase killed 7 Iranian soldiers|date=10 April 2018|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410202008/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/israeli-attack-on-t-4-airbase-killed-7-iranian-soldiers/|archive-date=10 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 10 April, member states proposed competing UN Security Council resolutions to handle the response to the chemical attack. The U.S., France, and UK vetoed a Russian-proposed UN resolution. Russia had also vetoed the U.S.'s proposed resolution to create "a new investigative mechanism to look into chemical weapons attacks in Syria and determine who is responsible."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/04/10/601153602/u-n-security-council-meets-about-syria-as-inspectors-prepare-to-head-in|title=USA, France and UK Vetoed Russian Resolution On Syria In U.N. Security Council|publisher=National Public Radio|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412001333/https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/04/10/601153602/u-n-security-council-meets-about-syria-as-inspectors-prepare-to-head-in|archive-date=12 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/russia-vetoes-syria-chemical-weapons-inquiry-11325688|title=Russia vetoes Syria chemical weapons inquiry|publisher=Sky News|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412222412/https://news.sky.com/story/russia-vetoes-syria-chemical-weapons-inquiry-11325688|archive-date=12 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 14 April, France, the United Kingdom and the United States [[2018 missile strikes against Syria|launched airstrikes against four Syrian government targets]] in response to the attack.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-14/us-to-strike-syria-in-response-to-chemical-weapons-attack/9658900|title=Trump launches air strikes on Syria in wake of chemical attack|date=14 April 2018|work=ABC News|access-date=14 April 2018|language=en-AU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415050759/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-14/us-to-strike-syria-in-response-to-chemical-weapons-attack/9658900|archive-date=15 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The airstrikes were claimed to successfully destroy the chemical weapons capabilities of Syria. Nevertheless, according to Pentagon, the Syrian Arab Republic still retains the ability to launch chemical weapons attacks.<ref name="USA">[https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-syria-trying-to-sanitize-chemical-attack-site/29178713.html Russia, Syria Trying To 'Sanitize' Chemical Attack Site, U.S. Says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422070933/https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-syria-trying-to-sanitize-chemical-attack-site/29178713.html |date=22 April 2018 }}, by [[RFE/RL]], 19 April</ref> ===Media commentary=== [[CBS]] journalist [[Seth Doane]] also traveled to Douma on 16 April, where a neighbor reported a choking gas that smelled like chlorine. A man took him to the alleged site of the impact and showed where the remains of a missile rested.<ref name="CBS">[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/syria-inside-douma-the-site-of-apparent-chemical-attack-2018-04-16/ "We couldn't breathe": Inside Douma, Syria, the site of apparent chemical attack] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418033228/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/syria-inside-douma-the-site-of-apparent-chemical-attack-2018-04-16/ |date=18 April 2018 }}, CBS, 16 April 2018, 6:31 PM</ref> [[Eliot Higgins]], a [[citizen journalist]] and blogger investigating the Syrian civil war,<ref>{{cite news|last=Keefe|first=Patrick Radden|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/11/25/rocket-man-2|title=Rocket Man|work=The New Yorker|date=18 November 2013|accessdate=21 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502224443/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/11/25/rocket-man-2|archive-date=2 May 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Burrell|first=Ian|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/with-isis-assad-and-putin-exposed-whos-next-on-citizen-journalist-eliot-higgins-list-9983831.html|title=With Isis, Assad and Putin exposed, who's next on citizen journalist|work=The Independent|date=18 January 2015|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118085519/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/with-isis-assad-and-putin-exposed-whos-next-on-citizen-journalist-eliot-higgins-list-9983831.html|archive-date=18 January 2015|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> concluded based on geographical, video, and open source evidence that the chlorine gas was dropped by one of two [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8]] helicopters taking off from [[Dumayr Airbase]] 30 minutes earlier.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hunter|first=Molly|url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/proof-syria-chemical-weapons-french-president-emmanuel-macron/story?id=54415655|title='We have the proof' Syria used chemical weapons, French President Emmanuel Macron says|work=ABC News|date=12 April 2018|accessdate=21 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422062648/http://abcnews.go.com/International/proof-syria-chemical-weapons-french-president-emmanuel-macron/story?id=54415655|archive-date=22 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2018/04/11/open-source-survey-alleged-chemical-attacks-douma-7th-april-2018/|title=Open Source Survey of Alleged Chemical Attacks in Douma on 7th April 2018|work=bellingcat|date=11 April 2018|accessdate=21 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423192447/https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2018/04/11/open-source-survey-alleged-chemical-attacks-douma-7th-april-2018/|archive-date=23 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Military officials in the US, UK, and France all insisted the bomb had been dropped from one of two Syrian government helicopters flying from the airbase at Dumayr.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chulov|first=Martin|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/12/syria-attack-experts-check-signs-nerve-agent|title=Syria attack: nerve agent experts race to smuggle bodies out of Douma|work=The Guardian|date=12 April 2018|accessdate=21 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422082053/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/12/syria-attack-experts-check-signs-nerve-agent|archive-date=22 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported testimony from witnesses that medical personnel in Douma faced "extreme intimidation" from Syrian officials for them to remain silent about their patients treatment. They and their families were allegedly been threatened by the Syrian government. Medics who tried to leave the area were said to have been heavily searched in case they were transporting samples.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chulov|first1=Martin|last2=Shaheen|first2=Kareem|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/17/syria-crisis-medics-intimidated-over-douma-gas-attack|title=Syrian medics 'subjected to extreme intimidation' after Douma attack|work=The Guardian|date=17 April 2018|accessdate=26 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426012130/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/17/syria-crisis-medics-intimidated-over-douma-gas-attack|archive-date=26 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''The Guardian'' described Russian state media as "pushing" two lines; that they have spoken to witnesses denying the occurrence of any attacks, and that they have found chlorine-filled canisters in Douma "used for rebel attacks later blamed on the regime."<ref>{{cite news|last=Roth|first=Andrew|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/20/syrian-army-bombards-yarmouk-refugee-camp-in-damascus|title=Last Damascus rebels bombarded as Assad presses advantage in Syria|work=The Guardian|date=20 April 2018|access-date=17 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718170019/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/20/syrian-army-bombards-yarmouk-refugee-camp-in-damascus|archive-date=18 July 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> After six months of examining the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts such as Higgins and [[Theodore Postol]] of the [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]], James Harkin concluded in ''[[The Intercept]]'' that Syrian Air Force helicopters dropped two chlorine canister bombs on Douma on 7 April 2018. Harkin noted that many chlorine attacks launched by Syrian forces in the past had resulted in no casualties, hypothesizing that—in contrast to the much more lethal sarin gas—Syrian forces likely employed chlorine at Douma to induce panic among the population rather than to kill many people. One of the canisters never released its payload and caused no deaths, but the other canister struck the weak roof of an apartment complex at an unexpected angle, releasing a very high concentration of chlorine that killed the people beneath it in a matter of minutes. According to Harkin, the frightened residents seen flocking to a nearby hospital and being doused with water in viral footage were not survivors of the chemical attack, but victims of conventional weapons and smoke inhalation.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harkin|first=James|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/02/09/douma-chemical-attack-evidence-syria/|title=What Happened in Douma? Searching for Facts in the Fog of Syria's Propaganda War|work=[[The Intercept]]|date=2019-02-09|accessdate=2019-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209193818/https://theintercept.com/2019/02/09/douma-chemical-attack-evidence-syria/|archive-date=9 February 2019|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> A report released by the Global Public Policy Institute (GPPI), a Berlin-based think tank, determined that chlorine attacks accounted for 91.5% of all confirmed chemical weapons attacks attributable to the Syrian government throughout the war, including the 7 April 2018 attack on Douma.<ref name="GPPI">{{cite web | url=https://www.gppi.net/2019/02/17/the-logic-of-chemical-weapons-use-in-syria | title=Nowhere to Hide: The Logic of Chemical Weapons Use in Syria | publisher=Global Public Policy Institute | date=17 February 2019 | accessdate=20 February 2019 |author1=Schneider, Tobias |author2=Lütkefend, Theresa | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221063359/https://www.gppi.net/2019/02/17/the-logic-of-chemical-weapons-use-in-syria | archive-date=21 February 2019 | dead-url=no | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/syrian-military-linked-to-more-than-300-chemical-attacks-report-says/2019/02/16/c6e128de-31d4-11e9-ac6c-14eea99d5e24_story.html?utm_term=.6bd74dcb4b45 | title=Syrian military linked to more than 300 chemical attacks, report says | publisher=''The Washington Post'' | date=17 February 2019 | accessdate=20 February 2019 | author=Loveluck, Louisa | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224018/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/syrian-military-linked-to-more-than-300-chemical-attacks-report-says/2019/02/16/c6e128de-31d4-11e9-ac6c-14eea99d5e24_story.html?utm_term=.6bd74dcb4b45 | archive-date=21 February 2019 | dead-url=no | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The report, supported by the [[Federal Foreign Office]] of Germany and the [[Robert Bosch Stiftung|Robert Bosch Foundation]], held Syrian government responsible for 98% of all recorded chemical weapons attacks over the course of the Syrian civil war and believes its use of chemical weapons "is best understood as part of its overall war strategy of collective punishment of populations in opposition-held areas".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.heise.de/tp/features/Assad-Regime-soll-fuer-fast-alle-von-336-angeblichen-Chemiewaffenangriffen-verantwortlich-sein-4311280.html | title="Assad-Regime" soll für fast alle von 336 angeblichen Chemiewaffenangriffen verantwortlich sein | publisher=Heise.de | date=18 February 2019 | accessdate=20 February 2019 | author=Rötzer, Florian | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218163227/https://www.heise.de/tp/features/Assad-Regime-soll-fuer-fast-alle-von-336-angeblichen-Chemiewaffenangriffen-verantwortlich-sein-4311280.html | archive-date=18 February 2019 | dead-url=no | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="GPPI"/> Commenting on the OPCW FFM report of 2019, [[Bellingcat]] remarked that the detail provided, 'continues to make it clear that the Douma attack was yet another chlorine attack delivered by helicopter, using the same type of modified gas cylinders as seen in previous chlorine attacks.'<ref>Bellingcat 1 March 2019, [https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2019/03/01/the-opcw-ffms-report-on-the-april-7th-2018-douma-chemical-attack-versus-the-open-source-evidence/ opcw ffms report on the april] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302134505/https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2019/03/01/the-opcw-ffms-report-on-the-april-7th-2018-douma-chemical-attack-versus-the-open-source-evidence/ |date=2 March 2019 }}</ref> === OPCW investigation === {{See also|OPCW Fact-Finding Mission in Syria}} On 10 April, the Syrian and Russian governments invited the [[Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons]] to send a team to investigate the attacks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-will-deploy-fact-finding-mission-to-douma-syria/|title=OPCW Will Deploy Fact-Finding Mission to Douma, Syria|website=www.opcw.org|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411192559/https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-will-deploy-fact-finding-mission-to-douma-syria/|archive-date=11 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-investiga/syria-invites-opcw-to-investigate-alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-idUSKBN1HH218|title=Syria invites OPCW to investigate alleged chemical attack in Douma|last=Editorial|first=Reuters|work=U.S.|access-date=14 April 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414130054/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-investiga/syria-invites-opcw-to-investigate-alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-idUSKBN1HH218|archive-date=14 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The investigators arrived in Douma on 14 April;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.svoboda.org/a/29173316.html|title=МИД Франции: эксперты ОЗХО до сих пор не допущены в Думу|website=Радио Свобода|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418161335/https://www.svoboda.org/a/29173316.html|archive-date=18 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> however, their access to the site was blocked by Russia and Syria who cited security concerns.<ref name="aljazeera1">[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/chemical-weapons-inspectors-reach-douma-probe-gas-attack-180421130414025.html Chemical weapons inspectors reach Douma to probe gas attack] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423033142/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/chemical-weapons-inspectors-reach-douma-probe-gas-attack-180421130414025.html |date=23 April 2018 }}. [[Al Jazeera]]. Published 21 April 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2018.</ref><ref>Anthony Deutsch, Tom Perry (18 April 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/u-n-team-fired-upon-in-syria-while-visiting-suspected-chemical-sites-idUSKBN1HP0SG U.N. team fired upon in Syria while visiting suspected chemical sites] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418233023/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/u-n-team-fired-upon-in-syria-while-visiting-suspected-chemical-sites-idUSKBN1HP0SG |date=18 April 2018 }}. [[Reuters]]. Retrieved 22 April 2018.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/16/syria-chemical-attack-inspectors-unable-to-access-douma-site|title=Syria: chemical weapons inspectors barred from Douma site|first1=Patrick|last1=Wintour|first2=Julian|last2=Borger|date=16 April 2018|website=the Guardian|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416141500/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/16/syria-chemical-attack-inspectors-unable-to-access-douma-site|archive-date=16 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=blocked>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/16/world/middleeast/syria-douma-chemical-attack.html|title=Chemical Weapons Experts Blocked From Site of Syria Attack, Officials Say|agency=[[New York Times]]|date=16 April 2018|accessdate=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416170652/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/16/world/middleeast/syria-douma-chemical-attack.html|archive-date=16 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 17 April, the OPCW was promised access to the site, but had not entered Douma<ref>{{cite news|title=OPCW chemical weapons investigators enter Douma after being 'blocked'|url=https://news.sky.com/story/opcw-chemical-weapons-investigators-enter-douma-11334938|date=17 April 2018|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417162037/https://news.sky.com/story/opcw-chemical-weapons-investigators-enter-douma-11334938|archive-date=17 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and was unable to carry out the inspection because a large crowd gathered at one site, while their reconnaissance teams came under fire during a reconnaissance to visit the other site of the purported chemical weapons attack. According to the OPCW director, "On arrival at site one, a large crowd gathered and the advice provided by the UNDSS was that the reconnaissance team should withdraw," and "at site two, the team came under small arms fire and an explosive was detonated. The reconnaissance team returned to Damascus."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/u-n-team-fired-upon-in-syria-while-visiting-suspected-chemical-sites-idUSKBN1HP0SG|title=U.N. team fired upon in Syria while visiting suspected chemical sites|first=Anthony|last=Deutsch|publisher=[[Reuters]]|access-date=19 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418233023/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/u-n-team-fired-upon-in-syria-while-visiting-suspected-chemical-sites-idUSKBN1HP0SG|archive-date=18 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> However, the OPCW statement did not lay blame on any party for the incident.<ref name="ajnews">{{cite news|title=OPCW: Fact-finding team still outside Syria's Douma|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/opcw-fact-finding-team-syria-douma-180418155208033.html|accessdate=20 April 2018|publisher=Al Jazeera News|date=19 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419214216/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/opcw-fact-finding-team-syria-douma-180418155208033.html|archive-date=19 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The United States believes the Syrian government is stalling the OPCW to give itself time to remove evidence.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/chemical-weapons-coverup-suspected-in-syria-as-inspectors-remain-blocked/2018/04/20/1ca0f164-440a-11e8-b2dc-b0a403e4720a_story.html?noredirect=on|title=Chemical weapons coverup suspected in Syria as inspectors remain blocked|agency=[[Washington Times]]|access-date=20 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422132647/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/chemical-weapons-coverup-suspected-in-syria-as-inspectors-remain-blocked/2018/04/20/1ca0f164-440a-11e8-b2dc-b0a403e4720a_story.html?noredirect=on|archive-date=22 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 19 April, OPCW still was unable to access the sites. According to a [[United States Department of State|US State Department]] spokeswoman, there was "credible information" that "Russian officials are working with the Syrian regime to deny and to delay these inspectors from gaining access to Douma," and "to sanitize the locations of the suspected attacks and remove incriminating evidence of chemical weapons use."<ref name="USA"/> OPCW inspectors visited the site and collected samples on 21 April and 25 April.<ref name="aljazeera1" /><ref name=opcw-20180425>{{cite press release |url=https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-visits-second-site-in-douma-syria/ |title=OPCW Fact-Finding Mission Visits Second Site in Douma, Syria |publisher=OPCW |date=25 April 2018 |accessdate=7 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427101442/https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-visits-second-site-in-douma-syria/ |archive-date=27 April 2018 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The organization said that it would submit to its member states a report "based on analysis of the sample results, as well other information and materials collected by the team."<ref>{{cite news|last=Dalton|first=Jane|title=Chemical weapons inspectors collect evidence in Douma|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-douma-chemical-weapons-attack-latest-eastern-ghouta-russia-assad-a8315746.html|accessdate=24 April 2018|work=The Independent|date=21 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425033344/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-douma-chemical-weapons-attack-latest-eastern-ghouta-russia-assad-a8315746.html|archive-date=25 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> At the warehouse and the facility suspected by the authorities of the Syrian Arab Republic of producing chemical weapons in Douma, information was gathered to assess whether these facilities were associated with the production of chemical weapons or toxic chemicals that could be used as weapons. From the information gathered during the two on-site visits to these locations, there was no indication of either facility being involved in the production of chemical warfare agents or toxic chemicals for use as weapons. During the visit to Location 2 (cylinder on the roof), Syrian Arab Republic representatives did not provide the access requested by the FFM team to some apartments within the building, which were closed at the time. The Syrian Arab Republic representatives stated that they did not have the authority to force entry into the locked apartments.<ref>[https://www.opcw.org/fileadmin/OPCW/S_series/2018/en/s-1645-2018_e_.pdf OPCW interim report on douma chemical attack] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706165344/https://www.opcw.org/fileadmin/OPCW/S_series/2018/en/s-1645-2018_e_.pdf |date=6 July 2018 }}, 6 July 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2018</ref> On 6 July 2018 the [[OPCW Fact-Finding Mission in Syria|OPCW Fact-Finding Mission]] (FFM) published their interim report.<ref name=opcw-20180706>{{cite web|url=https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-issues-fact-finding-mission-reports-on-chemical-weapons-use-allegations-in-douma-syria-in-2018-and-in-al-hamadaniya-and-karm-al-tarrab-in-2016/|title=OPCW Issues Fact-Finding Mission Reports on Chemical Weapons Use Allegations in Douma, Syria in 2018 and in Al-Hamadaniya and Karm Al-Tarrab in 2016|publisher=[[Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons]]|date=6 July 2018|accessdate=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711064542/https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-issues-fact-finding-mission-reports-on-chemical-weapons-use-allegations-in-douma-syria-in-2018-and-in-al-hamadaniya-and-karm-al-tarrab-in-2016/|archive-date=11 July 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The report stated that: <blockquote>The results show that no organophosphorous nerve agents or their degradation products were detected in the environmental samples or in the plasma samples taken from alleged casualties. Along with explosive residues, various chlorinated organic chemicals were found in samples from two sites, for which there is full chain of custody.<ref name=opcw-20180706/></blockquote> In 2019 the OPCW FFM (Fact-Finding Mission) report concluded: "Regarding the alleged use of toxic chemicals as a weapon on 7 April 2018 in Douma, the Syrian Arab Republic, the evaluation and analysis of all the information gathered by the FFM—witnesses’ testimonies, environmental and biomedical samples analysis results, toxicological and ballistic analyses from experts, additional digital information from witnesses—provide reasonable grounds that the use of a toxic chemical as a weapon took place. This toxic chemical contained reactive chlorine. The toxic chemical was likely molecular chlorine."<ref>opcw.org [https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/03/s-1731-2019%28e%29.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302015913/https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/03/s-1731-2019%28e%29.pdf |date=2 March 2019 }}</ref> The OPCW said it found no evidence to support the government's claim that a local facility was being used by rebel fighters to produce chemical weapons and did not state who was to blame for the attack.<ref>BBC News 1 March 2019 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-47424266] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302162657/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-47424266 |date=2 March 2019 }}</ref> A document was leaked in 2019 containing an engineering assessment by a current or former OPCW Inspection Team leader and, according to a statement from the director, liaison officer for OPCW in Damascus.<ref>{{cite report |author= |author-link= |authors=((OPCW TWG on Investigative Science and Technology)) |date=26 February 2018 |title=SUMMARY OF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD'S TEMPORARY WORKING GROUP ON INVESTIGATIVE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY |url=https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/SAB/en/sab-27-wp01_e_.pdf |publisher=Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons |page=13 |docket= |access-date=27 June 2019 |quote= }}</ref><ref name="OPCW Remarks 28.05.19"/> According to the document, the evidence encountered at the site indicated the liquefied-chlorine cylinders were not dropped from helicopters, but manually placed in their respective locations. This dissenting assessment was not included in the final report.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fisk|first=Robert|authorlink=Robert Fisk|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603054327/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/douma-syria-opcw-chemical-weapons-chlorine-gas-video-conspiracy-theory-russia-a8927116.html|title=The evidence we were never meant to see about the Douma 'gas' attack|work=The Independent|date=23 May 2019|access-date=31 May 2019}}]</ref> Subsequently the head of the OPCW stated that this document had been produced by an OPCW member, however it "pointed at possible attribution, which is outside of the mandate of the [Fact-Finding Mission] with regard to the formulation of its findings." Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW, said the staff member who produced the document was a liaison officer at the OPCW Command Post Office in Damascus and was tasked with temporarily assisting the FFM with information collection at some sites in Douma. Arias said 'all views, analysis, information and opinions are considered. This is what the FFM did with the information included in the publicly disclosed document; all available information was examined, weighed and deliberated. Diverse views were expressed, discussed and considered against the overall facts and evidence collected and analysed. With regard to the ballistics data collected by the FFM, they were analysed by three external experts commissioned by the FFM, and working independently from one another. In the end, while using different methods and instruments, they all reached the same conclusions that can be found in the FFM final report.'<ref name="OPCW Remarks 28.05.19">[[OPCW]],[https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019/06/Remarks%20of%20the%20Director-General%20Briefing%20for%20States%20Parties%20on%20Syrian%20Arab%20Republic%20Update%20on%20IIT-FFM-SSRC-DAT.pdf Remarks of the Director-General at the Briefing for States Parties on Syrian Arab Republic:Update on IIT-FFM-SSRC-DAT], May 28 2019</ref> Arias indicated that the memo was “considered but was not fit for the conclusion” of the FFM’s report. Arias stated that the Syrian goverment is refusing any follow-up by the Investigations and Identification Team, denying visas and access to information held by Damascus.<ref> eaworldview June 12 2019 [https://eaworldview.com/2019/06/solving-a-mystery-the-deadly-chemical-attack-on-syrias-douma-and-a-new-document/] </ref> == Reactions == === Government === {{flag|France}} – On 12 April, French President Emmanuel Macron said he has proof that the Syrian government attacked the town of Douma with chemical weapons and at least used chlorine.<ref name=BBCApr12>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43740626|title=Syria 'chemical attack': France's President Macron says he has proof|date=12 April 2018|work=BBC News|accessdate=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412205303/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43740626|archive-date=12 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=DW=180412>{{cite web | url=http://www.dw.com/en/macron-assad-regime-used-chemical-weapons-on-syrias-douma/a-43359542 | title=Macron: Assad regime used chemical weapons on Syria's Douma | work=[[Deutsche Welle]] | date=12 April 2018 | accessdate=13 April 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412142209/http://www.dw.com/en/macron-assad-regime-used-chemical-weapons-on-syrias-douma/a-43359542 | archive-date=12 April 2018 | dead-url=no | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The BBC quotes U.S. officials as saying urine and blood samples taken from victims have tested positively for traces of chlorine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43740626|title=Macron 'has Syria chemical attack proof'|date=12 April 2018|publisher=|via=www.bbc.com|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412205303/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43740626|archive-date=12 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> {{flag|Iran}} – The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Iran)|Foreign Ministry of Iran]] spokesman said: "While the Syrian army has the upper hand in the war against armed terrorists, it is not logical for them to use chemical weapons. Such claims and accusations [about chemical weapons use] by the Americans and some Western countries signal a new plot against the government and nation of Syria and is an excuse for military action against them."<ref>"[https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/04/iran-syria-reaction-douma-chemical-attack-khamenei.html Iran condemns chemical weapons attacks, denies Syria’s role] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413044551/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/04/iran-syria-reaction-douma-chemical-attack-khamenei.html |date=13 April 2018 }}". Al-Monitor. 9 April 2018.</ref> On 10 April, U.S. President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister [[Theresa May]], and French President [[Emmanuel Macron]] said in a statement following joint telephone calls that they had "agreed that the international community needed to respond to uphold the worldwide prohibition on the use of chemical weapons".<ref name=Guard11Apr18>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/apr/11/mps-caution-may-against-syria-action-without-commons-vote|title=MPs caution May against Syria action without Commons vote|date=11 April 2018|work=The Guardian|accessdate=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411085947/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/apr/11/mps-caution-may-against-syria-action-without-commons-vote|archive-date=11 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> {{flag|Qatar}} – The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Qatar)|Qatar Foreign Ministry]] condemned the use of chemical weapons, and called for an investigation into the incident and for punishment of those involved.<ref>{{cite news|title=Qatar calls for urgent international probe into chemical weapons use in Syria|url=https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/08/04/2018/Qatar-calls-for-urgent-international-probe-into-chemical-weapons-use-in-Syria|accessdate=8 April 2018|work=The Peninsula|date=8 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408152725/https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/08/04/2018/Qatar-calls-for-urgent-international-probe-into-chemical-weapons-use-in-Syria|archive-date=8 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> {{flag|Russia}} – On 13 March 2018 the [[Chief of the General Staff (Russia)|Chief of the General Staff]] of the [[Russian Armed Forces]], [[Valery Gerasimov]], said the Russian military had "reliable intelligence" that suggested the rebels holding Eastern Ghouta, along with the [[White Helmets (Syrian Civil War)|White Helmets]] activists, were preparing to stage and film a chemical weapons attack against civilians, which the U.S. government would blame on the Syrian forces and use as a pretext to bomb the government quarter in Damascus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-russia-usa/russia-says-u-s-plans-to-strike-damascus-pledges-military-response-idUSKCN1GP0TY|title=Russia says U.S. plans to strike Damascus, pledges military response|date=13 March 2018|publisher=Reuters|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414080128/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-russia-usa/russia-says-u-s-plans-to-strike-damascus-pledges-military-response-idUSKCN1GP0TY|archive-date=14 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/13/russia-military-threatens-action-against-the-us-in-syria.html|title=Russian military threatens action against the US in Syria|date=13 March 2018|publisher=CNBC|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416201906/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/13/russia-military-threatens-action-against-the-us-in-syria.html|archive-date=16 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interfax.ru/world/603320|title=Российские военные предупредили о подготовке боевиками провокации с химоружием в Восточной Гуте|date=13 March 2018|publisher=Interfax|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417022922/http://www.interfax.ru/world/603320|archive-date=17 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In the event that the lives of Russian servicemen should be threatened by U.S. strikes, Gerasimov said Russia would respond militarily — "against both the missiles and the platforms from which they’re launched".<ref>[https://ria.ru/syria/20180313/1516248303.html Боевики как повод для атаки: Россия готова ответить на удар США по Дамаску] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413124631/https://ria.ru/syria/20180313/1516248303.html |date=13 April 2018 }} RIA Novosti, 13 March 2018.</ref><ref>"[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/10/russian-officials-warn-of-possible-military-clash-with-us-over-syria Russian officials warn of possible military clash with US over Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413135335/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/10/russian-officials-warn-of-possible-military-clash-with-us-over-syria |date=13 April 2018 }}". ''The Guardian.'' 10 April 2018.</ref> The [[Russian foreign ministry|Russian Foreign Ministry]] on 8 April denied chemical weapons had been used.<ref>{{cite news|title=Moscow calls ‘chemical attack’ in Douma ‘fake news,’ warns against Syrian intervention|url=https://www.rt.com/news/423524-douma-chemical-attack-fake-moscow/|accessdate=8 April 2018|work=RT|date=8 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408153917/https://www.rt.com/news/423524-douma-chemical-attack-fake-moscow/|archive-date=8 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> A few days later, the Russian military said members of the [[White Helmets (Syrian Civil War)|White Helmets organization]] filmed a staged attack.<ref>[https://www.newsru.com/russia/11apr2018/rupoliceinsyria.html Генштаб РФ объявил об отправке в Думу российской военной полиции] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412001439/https://www.newsru.com/russia/11apr2018/rupoliceinsyria.html |date=12 April 2018 }} NEWSru, 11 April 2018.</ref><ref name="tassdoumastaged">[http://tass.com/defense/999108 White Helmets staged Douma ‘chemical weapons attack’ on civilians — Russian General Staff] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412001123/http://tass.com/defense/999108 |date=12 April 2018 }} TASS, 11 April 2018.</ref> Then, on 13 April, the Russian [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Ministry of Defence]] said that it was Britain that staged the attack in order to provoke U.S. airstrikes.<ref name=usatoday413>{{cite news|title=Russia blames UK for Syria chemical attack that killed dozens, many of them children|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/13/russia-syria-chemical-attack-fabrication-foreign-intelligence-agency/514039002/|accessdate=13 April 2018|work=usatoday.com|agency=Associated Press|date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413183418/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/13/russia-syria-chemical-attack-fabrication-foreign-intelligence-agency/514039002/|archive-date=13 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 26 April, Russian officials held a press conference in [[The Hague]] where they presented several apparent witnesses from the Douma incident, flown in from Syria, who said that reported victims had not suffered symptoms of a chemical attack.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKil4rhDFW8&t=6968s "Complete coverage (3 hours) of press conference in De Hague on April 26th 2018"]</ref> The Russian envoy to the OPCW said that videos of the attack were little more than "a sloppily staged video showing the pretence for a strike is completely groundless".<ref>Patrick Wintour [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/26/obscene-masquerade-russia-criticised-over-douma-chemical-attack-denial 'Obscene masquerade': Russia criticised over Douma chemical attack denial] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527165931/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/26/obscene-masquerade-russia-criticised-over-douma-chemical-attack-denial |date=27 May 2018 }}, ''The Guardian'' Thu 26 Apr 2018 18.46 BST First published on Thu 26 Apr 2018 17.08 BST</ref> {{flag|Saudi Arabia}} – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the use of chemical weapons, and stress the need for a peaceful solution based on the principles of the Geneva Declaration and UN Security Council resolutions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saudi Arabia condemns Douma chemical attack|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1280981/saudi-arabia|accessdate=8 April 2018|work=Arab News|date=8 April 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409180138/http://www.arabnews.com/node/1280981/saudi-arabia|archive-date=9 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> {{flag|Syria}} – The Syrian state-owned [[Syrian Arab News Agency]] reported a Foreign Ministry source called allegations of Syria's use of chemical weapons an unconvincing stereotype.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=133561|title=Foreign Ministry: Allegations of using chemical weapons unconvincing stereotype – Syrian Arab News Agency|website=sana.sy|accessdate=9 April 2018}}</ref> {{flag|Turkey}} – A spokesman for President [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] said the "Syrian regime must give account for the attacks in various regions of the country at different times," and called upon the international community to address war crimes and crimes against humanity.<ref>{{cite news|title=Turkey condemns use of chemical weapons in Syria's Douma|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-douma-turkey/turkey-condemns-use-of-chemical-weapons-in-syrias-douma-idUSKBN1HF0GJ|accessdate=8 April 2018|work=Reuters|date=8 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408142534/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-douma-turkey/turkey-condemns-use-of-chemical-weapons-in-syrias-douma-idUSKBN1HF0GJ|archive-date=8 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/those-behind-douma-chemical-attack-will-pay-erdogan-says-130099 | title=Those behind Douma chemical attack will pay, Erdoğan says | date=10 April 2018 | newspaper=Hurriyet Daily News | accessdate=12 April 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411025933/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/those-behind-douma-chemical-attack-will-pay-erdogan-says-130099 | archive-date=11 April 2018 | dead-url=no | df=dmy-all }}</ref> {{flag|United Kingdom}} – Foreign Secretary [[Boris Johnson]] said that "these latest reports must urgently be investigated and the international community must respond" and that "investigators from the [[Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons]] [are] looking into reports of chemical weapons use in Syria have our full support. Russia must not yet again try to obstruct these investigations". He also condemned the use of chemical weapons in general, adding that "those responsible for the use of chemical weapons have lost all moral integrity and must be held to account."<ref>{{cite news|title=Boris Johnson demands international response to reported Syria poison gas attack|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/boris-johnson-demands-international-response-to-reported-syria-poison-gas-attack-36786074.html|accessdate=8 April 2018|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=8 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408194227/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/boris-johnson-demands-international-response-to-reported-syria-poison-gas-attack-36786074.html|archive-date=8 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> {{flag|United States}} – President [[Donald Trump]] condemned the attack on Twitter, heavily criticizing Russia over it.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=realDonaldTrump |number= 982966315467116544|date= 8 April 2018|title=Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price...}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |user=realDonaldTrump |number= 982967389028569088|date= 8 April 2018|title=....to pay. Open area immediately for medical help and verification. Another humanitarian disaster for no reason whatsoever. SICK!}}</ref> Trump canceled his trip to the [[8th Summit of the Americas]], sending Vice President [[Mike Pence]] in his place.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bierman|first1=Noah|title=Trump, facing twin crises, will skip South America summit|url=http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-essential-washington-updates-trump-to-skip-south-america-summit-to-1523366482-htmlstory.html|agency=Los Angeles Times|date=10 April 2018|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411035411/http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-essential-washington-updates-trump-to-skip-south-america-summit-to-1523366482-htmlstory.html|archive-date=11 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 11 April, via [[Twitter]], President Trump told Russia to "get ready" for "nice and new and 'smart' missiles." [[Vasily Nebenzia]], Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, said the United States would "bear responsibility" for any "illegal military adventure" they conducted.<ref name=BBCApr11>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43727829|title=Trump warns Russia on Syria missile threat|date=11 April 2018|work=BBC News|accessdate=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411112349/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43727829|archive-date=11 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The following day, Trump appeared to soften his resolve, tweeting he "[n]ever said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!"<ref name=Gearan>{{cite web | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-now-says-syria-attack-could-be-very-soon-or-not-so-soon-at-all/2018/04/12/aeb46a66-3e3a-11e8-974f-aacd97698cef_story.html | title=Trump signals a more deliberate approach on Syria, reviews options for possible attack | work=[[The Washington Post]] | date=12 April 2018 | accessdate=13 April 2018 | last=Gearan | first=Anne | last2=Wagner | first2=John | last3=Ryan | first3=Missy | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413064521/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-now-says-syria-attack-could-be-very-soon-or-not-so-soon-at-all/2018/04/12/aeb46a66-3e3a-11e8-974f-aacd97698cef_story.html | archive-date=13 April 2018 | dead-url=no | df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[U.S. Defense Secretary]] [[James Mattis]] stated the U.S. was still waiting on the OPCW investigation, but that there were "a lot of media and social media indicators that either chlorine or sarin was used" in Douma.<ref>[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/defense-secretary-james-mattis-says-attack-on-syria-is-not-yet-in-the-offing/ Defense Secretary James Mattis says attack on Syria "is not yet in the offing"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414011043/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/defense-secretary-james-mattis-says-attack-on-syria-is-not-yet-in-the-offing/ |date=14 April 2018 }} CBS News, 12 April 2018</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-usa/mattis-says-i-believe-there-was-a-chemical-attack-in-syria-idUSKBN1HJ2ES Mattis says: 'I believe there was a chemical attack in Syria'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413083745/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-usa/mattis-says-i-believe-there-was-a-chemical-attack-in-syria-idUSKBN1HJ2ES |date=13 April 2018 }} Reuters, 12 April 2018</ref> On 14 April, France, the United Kingdom and the United States [[2018 missile strikes against Syria|launched airstrikes against four Syrian government targets]] in response to the attack. === Intergovernment === {{flag|European Union}} – In a statement, the EU said "the evidence points towards yet another chemical attack by the regime" and "it is a matter of grave concern that chemical weapons continue to be used, especially on civilians. The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the use of chemical weapons and calls for an immediate response by the international community". It also called for the [[United Nations Security Council]] to identify the perpetrators and for Russia and Iran to influence Assad against launching such attacks.<ref>{{cite news|title=EU calls for response to 'yet another chemical attack' in Syria|url=https://reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-gouta-eu/eu-calls-for-response-to-yet-another-chemical-attack-in-syria-idUKKBN1HF0PX|work=Reuters|date=8 April 2018|access-date=8 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409043719/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-gouta-eu/eu-calls-for-response-to-yet-another-chemical-attack-in-syria-idUKKBN1HF0PX|archive-date=9 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> {{flag|United Nations}} – On 10 April 2018, the [[United Nations Security Council]] failed to adopt three competing resolutions on an inquiry into the chemical attack, with Russia and the United States clashing over the issue and exchanging military threats.<ref>[https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/04/1006991 Security Council fails to adopt three resolutions on chemical weapons use in Syria] UN, 10 April 2018.</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/u-s-russia-clash-at-u-n-over-chemical-weapons-attacks-in-syria-idUSKBN1HG0D8 U.S., Russia clash at U.N. over chemical weapons attacks in Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411180656/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/u-s-russia-clash-at-u-n-over-chemical-weapons-attacks-in-syria-idUSKBN1HG0D8 |date=11 April 2018 }} Reuters, 9 April 2018.</ref> The [[World Health Organization]] released a statement, with a reference to outside medical sources, that<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2018/chemical-attacks-syria/en/| publisher=World Health Organization| title=WHO concerned about suspected chemical attacks in Syria| date=11 April 2018| access-date=15 April 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415171403/http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2018/chemical-attacks-syria/en/| archive-date=15 April 2018| dead-url=no| df=dmy-all}}</ref> 43 people died while suffering "symptoms consistent with exposure to highly toxic chemicals."<ref name="USA"/> == See also == {{portal|Syrian Civil War|Weapons of mass destruction}} *[[List of massacres during the Syrian Civil War]] *[[List of Syrian Civil War barrel bomb attacks]] *[[Syria chemical weapons program]] == References == {{Reflist}} ==External Links== * [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/06/24/world/middleeast/douma-syria-chemical-attack-augmented-reality-ar-ul.html New York Times interactive 24 June 2018] * {{cite web |url=https://www.democracynow.org/2019/5/23/leaked_opcw_report_raises_new_questions |title=Leaked OPCW Report Raises New Questions About 2018 Chemical Attack in Douma, Syria |publisher=Democracy Now |first=Amy |last=Goodman |date=23 May 2019}} {{Syrian Civil War}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Douma chemical attack, 2018}} [[Category:April 2018 events in Syria]] [[Category:Chemical weapons attacks]] [[Category:Douma District]] [[Category:Military operations of the Syrian Civil War in 2018]] [[Category:Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving chemical weapons]] [[Category:Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving the Syrian government]] [[Category:Rif Dimashq Governorate in the Syrian Civil War]] [[Category:Syrian Civil War crimes]]'