Syria war: 'Gas attack' kills child in Eastern Ghouta
Reports of chlorine gas attack emerge as Syrian government forces continue offensive against rebel-held Damascus suburb.
Many women and children were experiencing difficulty breathing, according to the White Helmets [Bassam Khabieh/Reuters]
Many women and children were experiencing difficulty breathing, according to the White Helmets [Bassam Khabieh/Reuters]
MORE ON SYRIA'S CIVIL WAR
Eastern Ghouta bombardment: 674 Syria civilians killed in 13 days
today
Where is al-Qaeda in Syria?
yesterday
Eastern Ghouta residents 'mock' ceasefire as killing continues
yesterday
US condemns Syria's 'contempt' for UN as Ghouta attack continues
yesterday
Health officials in the rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta are accusing Syrian government forces of using chlorine gas in their aerial bombardment campaign in the Damascus suburb.
Syria's Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, said on Sunday that at least one child died as a result of suffocation on their official Twitter account.
According to the Syrian opposition's interim government, victims were showing symptoms "consistent with exposure to toxic chlorine gas".
The opposition's health ministry said in a statement that several people were admitted to medical facilities in nearby Al-Shifoniyah.
Symptoms include "dyspnea, intensive irritation of the mucus membrane, irritation of the eyes and dizziness", the ministry said.
At least 18 people were treated with oxygen nebulising sessions, the statement added.
Several women and children were experiencing difficulty breathing, according to the White Helmets.
The reports of the gas attack come as President Bashar al-Assad's forces fight against opposition groups from multiple fronts, in an attempt to penetrate into the besieged enclave.
WATCH: Syria army hits Eastern Ghouta despite ceasefire call (03:08)
'Front lines'
