Syrian activists accuse government of chlorine gas attacks; Assad regime denies it

BEIRUT – Syrian opposition activists and other witnesses tell The Associated Press that Syrian government forces have attacked rebel-held areas with poisonous chlorine gas in recent months.

They say the attacks left scores of men, women and children coughing, choking and gasping for breath.

The reports have been denied by the Syrian government and have yet to be confirmed by any foreign country or international organization. But if true, they highlight the limitations of the global effort to rid Syria of its chemical weapons.

The witnesses say yellowish fumes that smelled like chlorine cleanser came from grenades and from barrel bombs dropped by helicopter.