Islamic State ‘using chlorine gas’ in Iraq roadside bombs

The videos show bomb disposal teams carrying out controlled explosions, which send plumes of orange smoke into the air.

 

The bombs contain small concentrations of a chemical agent and in open ground are unlikely to be lethal.

 

Experts say they are designed to create fear rather than harm.

 

There have been multiple reports that IS has been deploying chlorine gas since late last year, but Iraqi officials say their footage confirms its use.

 

Haider Taher, from the Iraq Bomb Disposal Team, said troops have defused dozens of devices containing chlorine as part of the offensive against the militants.

 

“They have resorted to this new method,” he told the BBC. “They’re putting chlorine inside these homemade roadside bombs, which is toxic for those that inhale it.”

 

Read More: BBC News – Islamic State ‘using chlorine gas’ in Iraq roadside bombs