THE HAGUE, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The initial deployment of experts to gather facts about the alleged use of toxic chemicals in Douma, Syria, is complete, the Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announced on Friday.
Samples collected by members of the fact-finding mission (FFM) were brought to the OPCW laboratory where they will be split and then dispatched to the OPCW designated laboratories, said the OPCW in its press release.
The analysis of the samples may take at least three to four weeks. Meanwhile, the FFM will continue its work to collect more information and material. "At this time, it is not possible to give a timeframe for when the Douma report will be issued," said the global chemical arms watchdog.
A footage broadcast by the Syrian Civil Defense group, or "White Helmets" as its members are called because of what they wear during actions, claimed that chemical weapons were used on April 7 in Douma during the armed attacks which killed dozens of people.
The Syrian government has denied the allegations and called it fake news.
The OPCW experts are mandated to verify whether toxic chemicals, reportedly chlorine, had been used in Douma.
