A suspected gas attack in Syria has reportedly killed dozens and injured scores more.
The attack took place in the townland of Khan Sheikhoun, in Idlib province.
The weapons were deployed via airstrike, hitting the town on Tuesday morning. At least 70 people died, including at least 10 children, and many more were injured.
The compound used has not yet been confirmed, but local doctors say that the symptoms displayed by the victims match those caused by sarin.
Sarin is a potent nerve agent that induces death in one to ten minutes if inhaled at a lethal dose. The chemical inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, causing uncontrolled muscle spasming leading to death by asphyxiation.
If confirmed, this would be deadliest chemical attack in Syria in many years.
In total, about 500 people suffered the consequences of the attack, which has been condemned by international observers.
Syrian authorities denied the use of chemical weapons, instead saying that ‘rebels are to blame.’
Khan Sheikhoun is largely rebel-held, and it is regularly targeted by airstrikes by the Russian-backed Syrian military.
Over 400,000 people have been killed since the beginning of the civil war in Syria.