Syria Chemical Attack: Poison Gases Released Caused Unconsciousness, Convulsions and Death

Syria's state television indicated that rebels fired a rocket carrying chemical agents that killed approximately 25 individuals and wounded dozens, according to reports. The Observatory for Human Rights also said that 16 soldiers were among the 25 dead due to the use of chemical weapons in the Middle East.

This has been described as one of the most notorious use of chemical weapons in the Middle East-the worst case in which an estimated 5,000 died in a poison gas attack was ordered by former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein 25 years ago, according to Reuters.

Faisal Megdad, Syria's deputy foreign minister, said his government will send a letter to the U.N. Security Council "calling on it to handle its responsibilities and clarify a limit to these crimes of terrorism and those that support it inside Syrian Arab Republic". He also warned that the violence that has engulfed Syria was a regional threat, and thus, "is rather a starting point from which (the danger) will spread to the entire region, if not the entire world."

The United States said it had no evidence to substantiate charges that the rebels had used chemical weapons.

As the U.N. reports that this violates international law, it's important to note the health hazards imposed by chemical agents.

Many suffering from the attack have reported the smell of chlorine and suffered breathing problems.

Assad is widely believed to have a chemical weapons arsenal.

Syrian officials have neither confirmed nor denied this, but have said that if it existed it would be used to defend against foreign aggression, not against Syrians. There have been no previous reports of chemical weapons in the hands of insurgents.

Information Minister Omran al-Zoabi said rebels fired "a rocket containing poison gases" at the town of Khan al-Assal, southwest of Aleppo, from the city's southeastern district of Nairab, part of which is rebel-held.

However, reports indicate that the substances released can cause unconsciousness, convulsions and even death.