Iraqi leader vows revenge as IS launches second chemical weapons attack

Iraq’s prime minister vowed on Saturday to retaliate against the Islamic State group after it launched two chemical attacks on a town. Haider al-Abadi said the suspected mustard gas attacks, the first of which killed a three-year-old girl and left hundreds needing treatment, "will not go unpunished". He spoke out as IS fighters targeted the town of Taza early on Saturday, the second such attack in four days. So far, 600 people have been hurt and hundreds more have fled in panic.

There is fear and panic among the women and children. They’re calling for the central government to save them.

Adel Hussein, a local official in Taza

The wounded suffered infected burns, suffocation and dehydration - eight have been transferred to Baghdad for more treatment. Most were hurt when the town as blitzed on Wednesday from the nearby village of Bashir, which is held by the jihadists. Intelligence experts are still analysing samples. The Iraqi air force carried out a strike on Bashir overnight, while Mr Abadi promised a ground operation to retake the village soon.

It’s a legitimate threat. It’s not a high threat. We’re not, frankly, losing too much sleep over it

US Army Colonel Steve Warren plays down the IS chemical weapons threat

chemical weapon