BAGHDAD, 20 March 2007 (IRIN) - Anti-US insurgents in Iraq are using new methods of attack four years after US forces invaded Iraq to oust the government of former president Saddam Hussein. Their latest weapon of choice is poisonous chlorine gas, which they use in bomb explosions to cause more casualties and spread panic, say specialists.
"At low exposure, chlorine gas irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory systems, but it can cause death in heavier concentrations. It burns the skin on contact and can be fatal after only a few breaths," said Dr Marwa Fawzi Arif of Baghdad's Yarmouk hospital.
"It has a nasty smell and has a blue or yellow colour. Symptoms range from minor lung and skin irritation to temporary blindness, limited breathing and vomiting," Arif added.
On 16 March, three suicide bombers drove trucks laden with tanks of toxic chlorine gas and rammed into their targets in the volatile Sunni province of Anbar, about 200km west of Baghdad. Two people were killed in the attack and 350 injured, including six US troops.
Since last September, Anbar has witnessed a mounting power struggle between al-Qaeda – believed to be Iraq's most fearful Sunni insurgent group, which has non-Iraqi Arabs as its leaders - and Sunnis who oppose them and who have vowed to drive them out.
Abu Ahmed, who said he was a spokesman for al-Qaeda, told IRIN that the militant group was prepared to use new methods in its efforts to rid Iraq of US-led forces and those who support them.
"US troops are using any means to fight us [insurgents in Iraq]. They use their chemicals so it shouldn't be just that are blamed for the results of these attacks. The use of gas will get more response from the world, forcing multinational troops to leave our country," Abu Ahmed said, adding that chemicals can easily be acquired or stolen in Iraq, particularly from government and US sources.
"At low exposure, chlorine gas irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory systems, but it can cause death in heavier concentrations. It burns the skin on contact and can be fatal after only a few breaths," said Dr Marwa Fawzi Arif of Baghdad's Yarmouk hospital.
"It has a nasty smell and has a blue or yellow colour. Symptoms range from minor lung and skin irritation to temporary blindness, limited breathing and vomiting," Arif added.
On 16 March, three suicide bombers drove trucks laden with tanks of toxic chlorine gas and rammed into their targets in the volatile Sunni province of Anbar, about 200km west of Baghdad. Two people were killed in the attack and 350 injured, including six US troops.
Since last September, Anbar has witnessed a mounting power struggle between al-Qaeda – believed to be Iraq's most fearful Sunni insurgent group, which has non-Iraqi Arabs as its leaders - and Sunnis who oppose them and who have vowed to drive them out.
Abu Ahmed, who said he was a spokesman for al-Qaeda, told IRIN that the militant group was prepared to use new methods in its efforts to rid Iraq of US-led forces and those who support them.
"US troops are using any means to fight us [insurgents in Iraq]. They use their chemicals so it shouldn't be just that are blamed for the results of these attacks. The use of gas will get more response from the world, forcing multinational troops to leave our country," Abu Ahmed said, adding that chemicals can easily be acquired or stolen in Iraq, particularly from government and US sources.
Published with the permission of IRIN Disclaimer: This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations .Photo: Copyright Afif Sarhan/IRIN
