Middle East

Russian Official Claims Chemical Attack In Syria Was 'Staged'

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters Friday there's "irrefutable" evidence the attack was fabricated.

Russian Official Claims Chemical Attack In Syria Was 'Staged'
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Russia's foreign minister says the suspected chemical attack in Syria over the weekend was staged

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters Friday there's "irrefutable" evidence the attack was fabricated by a country "at the forefront of the anti-Russia campaign."

Aid groups say dozens of people died in the attack on Douma earlier this month. And the World Health Organization reported around 500 people during the attack experienced "symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals."

Lavrov didn't specify which country he believes staged the attack, but Russia's defense ministry spokesman blamed the U.K.

Meanwhile, leaders from the U.S., France and Britain have said the Syrian government was responsible. 

During a U.N. Security Council meeting Friday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley condemned Russia for saying the attack was staged.

"We know who did this. Our allies know who did this. Russia can complain all it wants about fake news, but no one is buying its lies and cover-ups," Haley said.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN