Report: Evidence suggests Syrian troops used toxic chemicals

BEIRUT - An international human rights group said Tuesday evidence "strongly suggests" that Syrian government forces used toxic chemicals in several barrel bomb attacks in northwestern Syria last month.

Rescue workers said the attacks in Idlib province from March 16 to March 31 affected at least 206 people, including 20 civil defense workers, according to the Human Rights Watch. It said one attack killed six civilians, including three children.

The group's report said people near the sites of three attacks exhibited symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals, and gas canisters were among the barrel bomb remnants. It said witnesses also described a strong chlorine smell.