Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Analysis Says IS Used Chemical Weapons 52 Times

Analysis Says IS Used Chemical Weapons 52 Times

BAGHDAD - A new analysis has found that the Islamic State group has used chemical weapons at least 52 times since 2014 in Iraq and Syria, including 19 times in the Mosul area alone.
It says there's a high risk that the group will deploy the weapons again in Mosul against civilians or the military forces trying to retake the northern Iraqi city. IHS Markit released the analysis on Tuesday.
The analysis says Mosul was a center for chemical weapons production for the Sunni militant group, but experts believe IS moved the materials and experts to Syria ahead of the U.S.-backed Iraqi offensive that began last month.
IHS concluded that chlorine and mustard agents are the most likely chemicals to be used in Mosul.
Iraq's foreign minister says progress in liberating the northern city of Mosul has been slowed by the Islamic State group's use of civilians as human shields. (AP)