Turkish hospital treating wounded Syrians keeps an eye for signs of chemical weapons use

ANKARA, Turkey – An official says a Turkish hospital near the border with Syria is taking special precautions while treating some wounded Syrians following allegations that chemical weapons were used against rebels.

The official at the state-run hospital in the border town of Reyhanli said Tuesday staff wore special protective clothing and masks to treat a dozen Syrians wounded late Monday in an aerial attack in Idlib, northern Syria. The official said, however, that there was no indication that chemical weapons were used and the hospital soon resumed normal operations.

It was the second time the hospital was put on alert for possible victims of chemical attacks since reports of chemical weapons use in Syria.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to journalists.