As the fighting in Syria escalates, news that it could get a great deal worse:
A senior Syrian military defector said President Bashar Al-Assad’s forces were moving chemical weapons across the country for possible use in a military retaliation for the killing of four top security officials.
“The regime has started moving its chemical stockpile and redistributing it to prepare for its use,” said General Mustafa Sheikh, citing rebel intelligence obtained in recent days.
“They are moving it from warehouses to new locations,” he said in an interview in southern Turkey, close to the Syrian border. “They want to burn the country. The regime cannot fall without perpetrating a sea of blood.”
More here:
[O]ther reports said that generals once in charge of the weapons had defected and were helping to locate the chemical stockpiles for the rebels.
Rebel general Adnan Silou said: “We have a group just to deal with chemical weapons.”
Last night, a White House spokesman said: “We remain very concerned about these weapons.”
The latest defections mean 24 generals have fled Assad since the 16-month uprising began.
He was nowhere to be seen yesterday, raising hope that his family’s 41-year grip on Syria was coming to an end.
At least, thanks to the Israelis, there are no nuclear weapons to worry about.
If he does use chemical weapons, there will probably be someone in the Guardian explaining that it is a 'false flag' operation.
Posted by: Bob-B | July 22, 2012 at 11:57 AM