Lavrov: Extremists Now Getting Real Warfare Agents

Local Editor

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he believes that Chemical terrorism is now a reality, as extremists from "ISIS" and other terrorist groups now possess the technical capabilities to produce "proper chemical war agents."

The threat of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of non-government groups is widely recognized, Lavrov added.

The issue emerged in light of evidence that militants from "ISIS" and other terrorist groups not only repeatedly used "toxic industrial chemicals," but also "proper chemical warfare agents," Lavrov noted. He further stated that there is a growing threat of similar crimes being committed in Libya and Yemen.

According to Lavrov, there is intelligence about terrorist groups acquiring access to scientific and technical documentation for the production of chemical weapons, and seizing equipment needed for such production. This involves foreign specialists in order to master the synthesis of chemical warfare agents.

In October, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons released a report saying that mustard gas had been used during fighting between "ISIS" and other militant groups in the town of Marea. The gas is known to cause severe delayed burns to the eyes, skin and lungs.

Lavrov also suggested developing a separate convention to counter acts of chemical terrorism. According to him, the current norms of international law "don't solve the problem of forbidding the use of chemical weapons by non-governmental organizations."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team