The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has determined ISIS likely used chemical weapons in August during a battle in a Syrian town. A confidential report from the organization shows it concluded “with the utmost confidence that at least two people were exposed to sulfur mustard,” reported Reuters. The incident happened on Aug. 21 in the town of Marea. The weapons likely resulted in the death of an infant. Air Force Col. Patrick Ryder, a spokesman for US Central Command, said Nov. 6 the report shows “another reason why this group needs to be stopped.” While CENTCOM didn’t investigate the report, ISIS has publicly declared its intent to use chemical weapons, Ryder said.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
