Islamic State uses chlorine gas in roadside bombs, say Iraqi officials (VIDEO)

BAGHDAD, March 14 — Iraqi officials said Islamic State militants have resorted to using chlorine gas in roadside bomb attacks.

The Islamic State has been putting chlorine inside homemade roadside bombs since late last year, according to a BBC report.

“They have resorted to this new method,” Haider Taher from the Iraq Bomb Disposal Team told the BBC. “They’re putting chlorine inside these homemade roadside bombs, which is toxic for those that inhale it.”

The Iraq Bomb Disposal Team has defused dozens of bombs containing chlorine, according to the BBC.

Chlorine was used as a choking agent during World War 1. A person exposed to large quantities of chlorine gas may develop such symptoms as a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, throat and breathing difficulty as well as nausea and vomiting. — Reuters

A military vehicle, belonging to Shiah fighters known as Hashid Shaabi, burns after being hit by Islamic State militants, during clashes in northern Tikrit, March 11, 2015. — Reuters pic