US checks reports of Islamic State gas attack in Iraq

The United States is looking into reports that Islamic State fighters used chlorine gas against Iraqi security forces, US secretary of state John Kerry said yesterday.

Mr Kerry, speaking to reporters after meeting his South Korean counterpart, said he was unable to confirm media reports that chlorine gas was used against Iraqi police officers last month.

“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 said.

The Washington Post reported yesterday that 11 Iraqi police officers were rushed to a hospital north of Baghdad last month with symptoms consistent with chlorine poisoning.

It said Iraqi forces have reported two other crude chlorine gas attacks in Iraq since Islamic State militants took over large areas of the country.

“The use of any chemical weapons . . . is against international law and these recent allegations underscore the importance of the work we are currently engaged in,” Mr Kerry said, adding that the possible chlorine gas attack would not sway US strategy in battling the Islamic State.

“Obviously it can affect tactical decisions within that strategy, but our fundamental strategy remains absolutely clear,” he said.

A US-led coalition has repeatedly bombed the Sunni jihadist group’s positions in Iraq since August, after Islamic State fighters grabbed large swaths of territory in Syria and Iraq. – (Reuters)