No Evidence of Chemical Weapons Use by Syrian Gov't Forces in Ghouta

The US Department of Defense commented on the UN-mandated Independent International Commission of Inquiry's investigation over the alleged use of chlorine in the Syrian provinces of Idlib and Eastern Ghouta by Syrian government forces, Sputnik reported.

However, in February US State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert accused Damascus of using chemical weapons near Idlib's Saraqib.

According to the spokeswoman, Washington believes that Russia was shielding the Syrian authorities from accountability for its alleged continued use of chemical weapons.

These statements were refuted by the Russian Defense Ministry, which stated that the US allegations were based on rumors and information from militants and that these and other similar accusations have never been proven with facts.