The inspectors report said “the environmental, chemical and medical samples we have collected provide clear and convincing evidence that surface-to-surface rockets containing the nerve agent sarin were used … in the Ghouta area of Damascus” on Aug. 21.
“The conclusion is that chemical weapons have been used in the ongoing conflict between the parties in the Syrian Arab Republic, also against civilians, including children, on a relatively large scale,” the inspectors said in their report to Ban.
“This result leaves us with the deepest concern,” they added.
Syria initially called for a U.N. investigation of an alleged chemical attack on Khan Al-Assal near Aleppo on March 19, which it blamed on the rebels. But when the U.S., Britain and France reported other alleged attacks, the secretary-general insisted on broadening the investigation, which the Syrians opposed.
MORE: UN Inspectors On Syria: Clear And Convincing Evidence Chemical Weapons Were Used On Large Scale.