Burning Eyes, Foaming Mouths: Years of Suspected Chemical Attacks in Syria

A image of a toddler after a suspected chemical attack in the rebel-held Syrian suburb of Douma. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets)

Since 2013, the use of chemical warfare in Syria’s Civil War has been constant, with a recent attack featuring an unknown ‘chemical agent’ with a smell similar to Chlorine. The government vocalized its desire to rid Syria of its chemical weapon arsenal, however these attacks of Chlorine, Sarin, Mustard gas, and other chemicals suggest that they are still widely available. These victims, when subjected to these substances, have trouble breathing, foam at the mouth, and must hide underground(or in the rubble of their homes) for protection. President Trump recently fired missiles to the alleged location of these chemicals’ origin in response to the attacks.