The terrorist group known as ISIS may be prepping chemical and biological weapons, according to Iraqi and US intelligence reports.
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Ever since the ISIS claimed large areas of Iraq and Syria previous year, the authorities have not been able to track the activities going on inside numerous terror cells spread across the war-torn countries.
But a day after a seven-hour shoot-out in a Paris suburb appeared to have killed Abdelhamid Abaaoud (27), the main suspect in the attacks, Mr Valls called for a three-month state of emergency and warned that there could be further attacks – this time with unconventional weapons.
Western officials, as well as allies in the Middle East, are trying to keep a close watch on what may be an ambitious and growing chemical weapons program by the Islamic State terror group.
More recently, Iraq’s military received from Russian Federation 1,000 protective suits against chemical attacks, said Hakim al-Zamili, the head of the Iraqi parliament’s security and defense committee.
Mr Valls said extremists could use chemical and biological weapons in its next attack on the streets of the country.
The term “Daesh” comes from the transliteration of the Arabic name by which the group refers to itself: al-Dawla al-Islamiya fi Iraq wa al-Sham.
The Islamic State is putting together a team of scientists to produce chemical weapons, raising concerns that they could be used against the West like last week’s deadly attacks in Paris, according to a published report.
“Even a few competent scientists and engineers, given the right motivation and a few material resources, can produce hazardous industrial and weapons-specific chemicals in limited quantities”, said Zahner.
Ever since the shocking attacks in Paris on October 13, however, another name for the group has been heard more often – “Daesh”.
The official, who has first-hand knowledge of the ISIS chemical weapons programme, spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive information, said AP.
The officer and two officials from another Iraqi intelligence agency have not given details of the programme.
In it, the deputy, Sameer al-Khalifawy, wrote that chemical weapons would ensure “swift victory” and “terrorize our enemies”.
The group apparently hates it so much it threatened to cut out the tongues of those who use it, The Associated Press reported past year when the group seized the Iraq city of Mosul. In videos, they often refer to themselves as The Islamic State. Other worldwide officials disputed this, however, saying the men were not connected with the group.
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The agent is colourless, but when used in impure form they give the appearance of a yellow-brown colour – hence the “mustard gas” name. It’s the term preferred by Arabs who oppose the group. “His release adds significantly to our concerns”.
