Turkey denies it, Swiss laboratory proves it used phosphorous

Rojava Defense Initiative has sent a sample of the skin of a Kurdish fighter wounded in Serekaniye to Swiss laboratories.

Laboratories in Switzerland have confirmed to have found presence of white phosphorous on a sample of the skin of a Kurdish fighter, who was wounded in the Turkish attack on the town of Serekaniye.

The report concluded: "The type of injury (chemical burns), in addition to the higher amount of phosphorous than normal in the sample, proves that phosphorous (white phosphorous munitions) was used."

Following the issue closely, Iranian-based Swedish Doctor Abbas Mansouran spoke to ANF.

Doctor Mansouran, who treated the fighters and civilians in North East Syria during the occupation attacks, said that the Turkish state used bombs containing white phosphorus and chemical agents during the attacks.

Doctor Mansouran had confirmed that some of the unusual burns were due to the use of unconventional weapons.

Dr. Abbas also said that "the injuries and symptoms that appeared on the victims, most of them were civilians, are consistent with exposure to chemical weapons."

Dr. Abbas added: "The Swiss-based laboratory report confirmed that there was a correlation between symptoms and chemical bombs. Even though the Turkish state rejects the claim, we now have convincing evidence for the international community at this point."

Stating that the Turkish state used prohibited weapons especially in Serekaniye and Gire Spi Dr. Mansouran stressed that the international community should not remain silent. Underlining that the use of white phosphorus and other chemical bombs against civilians is a serious violation of international laws and treaties, Mansouran said that "international institutions and organizations, especially the UN, the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court should act, given the evidence provided. The perpetrators should be tried in international courts."

Turkish National Defense Minister Hulisi Akar rejected the serious allegations that the Turkish state was using chemical weapons, saying: "It is a well-known fact that there is no chemical weapon in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces."