Igor Nikulin, a former chemical weapons advisor to the UN has commented on the recently released videos of alleged chemical attack in Douma.
“These videos raise a lot of questions. In my opinion, they were staged by amateurs – a total circus! Look at this, children carried out in their arms, no protective equipment at all. Are the rescuers immune to whatever chemical they claim to have been used? The body language of victims is also inconsistent with the effects of the chemicals.”
The ex-UN expert also adds that there’s nothing in the video that is conclusive to symptoms of a chemical attack, so the version with actors, as the White Helmets previously have been caught filming, cannot be dismissed out of hand.
“The video itself is also inconclusive – there’s nothing identifying it as Eastern Ghouta and so extensive analysis must be done before we jump to any conclusions about its origins.” Nikulin adds.