Russia Voices Concern Over Alleged Use of Chemical Weapons by ISIL

The Islamic State used chlorine gas as a chemical weapon in a suicide bombing in northern Iraq in January, Kurdish authorities claim.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Moscow is seriously concerned about recent reports indicating the possible use of chemical weapons by the Islamic State in Iraq, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday.

Kurdish authorities in Iraq said Saturday they have evidence, supported by results of analysis carried out by an independent lab in an EU country, that the Islamic State group used chlorine gas as a chemical weapon in a suicide bombing in northern Iraq in January.

"These claims deserve close attention in light of numerous reports in the past pointing out at the use of chemical weapons by anti-government terrorist forces based in Iraq and Syria," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that such actions deserve the "strongest possible condemnation," especially in light of numerous earlier reports about the use of chemical weapons "by anti-government terrorist groups based on the territory of Iraq and Syria."

Last fall, Iraqi authorities claimed that the Islamic State had used chlorine gas in battles against Iraqi soldiers and pro-government Shiite militia. The group has also been repeatedly accused of using chlorine against Syrian government forces and rival rebel groups.

The new claims once again confirm the need for coordinated international efforts to fight terrorism and extremism "in all its forms," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The Islamic State is a Sunni militant group widely regarded as a terrorist organization. The organization is known for its brutal methods, including public executions, and has seized vast portions of Syria and neighboring Iraq.