French intelligence: Assad’s forces behind ‘massive’ chemical attack - Alarabiya.net English | Front Page

The French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is seen in the Mediterranean port in Toulon, August 28, 2013. (Reuters)

Al Arabiya

Syrian government forces carried out a “massive and coordinated” chemical attack on Aug. 21, according to a declassified French intelligence report released on Monday.

The report will be presented to lawmakers on Monday as part of a government effort to win domestic support for a planned military action against the Syrian regime.

“This poses a major threat to national and global security,” a government source told Reuters.

The intelligence includes satellite imagery showing the attacks coming from government-controlled areas to the east and west of Damascus and targeting rebel-held zones.

The source said Assad’s forces had since bombed the areas to wipe out evidence.  

 “Unlike previous attacks that used small amounts of chemicals and were aimed at terrorizing people, this attack was tactical and aimed at regaining territory,” the source said................

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