Syrians receive treatment following the alleged chemical attack in Syria. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The same day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an independent investigation of the alleged attack. He said that the seriousness of the recent allegations requires a thorough investigation using impartial, independent, and professional expertise. Guterres reaffirmed his full support for the OPCW and its fact-finding mission in undertaking the required investigation into these allegations.

The incident will be discussed by US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May, who said Britain is working urgently with its allies and partners to assess what happened in Douma. According to French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, allies of the Syrian regime bear “particular responsibility” in this alleged use of chemical weapons.

In another development, the UN Security Council on Tuesday failed to adopt three draft resolutions on investigation into the reported chemical attack in Douma. The first draft, written by the US, would have established a new investigative mechanism for one year and identify those responsible for the use of chemical weapons. The second draft, by Russia, would also have established a mechanism for one year but would have given the Security Council the responsibility for assigning accountability. The third draft, also written by Russia, concerned the OPCW’s fact-finding mission in Douma. The document hailed the decision of the OPCW’s director to deploy a mission to Douma to investigate the case based on the Chemical Weapons Convention.