Israel has attacked facilities for the production and possession of chemical weapons in Syria - this was claimed today (Monday) in a comprehensive investigation published in the American newspaper "Washington Post".
According to the publication, the attack took place on June 8 this year, in two main areas near the cities of Damascus and Homs.
It was also reported that seven Syrian soldiers, including a senior officer with the rank of colonel, were killed as a result of the attacks attributed to Israel.
The report claims that in Israel they feared that the facilities attacked would be used by the Syrian army to return and produce nerve gas.
Senior members of the intelligence agencies of the United States and other Western countries told the newspaper, asking not to be identified by name, that the Israeli decision to attack was based on assessments and evidence obtained from Israeli intelligence, as well as other foreign intelligence agencies.
Firefighters work to extinguish fire that broke out at the Homs refinery in Syria, today, Photo: AP
Assault of the Syrian army during the Syrian civil war in 2012, Photo: AP
It was also reported that the information, which reached Israel about two years ago, indicated that Syria had succeeded in acquiring the chemicals needed to produce sarin gas, a deadly military nerve gas that could also be used for terrorist acts.
"This is a strategic weapon for the Syrian regime," a senior intelligence official told the American newspaper, claiming it was a consensus among the intelligence community.
The Syrian regime has in the past used sarin gas against the rebels during the Syrian civil war, resulting in hundreds of deaths and horrific injuries.
As of 2013, the Syrian regime has vehemently denied that it possesses or manufactures chemical weapons of any kind.
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