RIOT CONTROL AGENTS ARE CHEMICAL WEAPONS
Russia could mask chemical munitions with riot control agents: Pentagon update
Yesterday
Russia could use riot control agents to mask chemical weapons
A defense official said the U.S. cannot confirm whether Russia has used any chemical weapons in Mariupol or elsewhere in Ukraine, but the Defense Department has seen evidence Russia could consider disguising use of chemical weapons by making them look like more benign riot-control agents.
"In the past we've had indications that that could be one thing that the Russians look at, is the potential mixing of agents with the with the idea that they could disguise a more serious attack by using the vehicle and the techniques of riot control agents," the official said.
© Felipe Dana/APResidents stand outside their apartments as shops burn after a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, April 11, 2022.
Pentagon press secretary John Kirby put out a similar statement Monday night addressing social media reports claiming Russia used a chemical weapon in Mariupol.
"These reports, if true, are deeply concerning and reflective of concerns that we have had about Russia's potential to use a variety of riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemical agents, in Ukraine."
Kirby, like the official on Tuesday, emphasized the U.S. cannot confirm the allegations.
On Tuesday, Kirby told reporters the U.S. is looking into the matter.
"We're obviously taking it seriously and we're monitoring it," Kirby said. "We're trying to do the best we can to figure out what, if anything, happened."
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