US investigating alleged chlorine gas use by ISIL

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

The U.S. is looking into allegations that ISIL used chlorine gas against Iraqi security forces, Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday.

The Washington Post first reported that 11 Iraqi police officers were admitted to the hospital in September and diagnosed with chlorine gas poisoning. The officers blamed ISIL militants who were attacking a town near the city of Balad at the time.

The Post noted that Iraqi forces claimed that two other attacks involving chlorine gas have occurred since ISIL militants seized large swaths of Iraq earlier this year.

“These allegations are extremely serious, and we are seeking additional information in order to be able to determine whether or not we can confirm it,” Kerry told reporters during a joint press conference with his Korean counterpart.

"The use of any chemical weapon is an abhorrent act. It’s against international law," he said. "And these recent allegations underscore the importance of the work that we are currently engaged in."

www.aa.com.tr/en

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

The U.S. is looking into allegations that ISIL used chlorine gas against Iraqi security forces, Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday.

The Post noted that Iraqi forces claimed that two other attacks involving chlorine gas have occurred since ISIL militants seized large swaths of Iraq earlier this year.

"The use of any chemical weapon is an abhorrent act. It’s against international law," he said. "And these recent allegations underscore the importance of the work that we are currently engaged in."