Summary
On August 21, 2013, sarin gas rockets struck the Damascus suburbs of eastern Ghouta and Moadamiya, killing at least 1,500 people in Syria’s deadliest civil war attack. Despite the use of this banned chemical weapon crossing a “red line” set by President Obama, no action was taken against President Assad, who has since denied responsibility, although military insiders attribute the orders to him. Survivors and rescuers described horrific scenes, with many suffering long-term health effects, while legal experts doubt Assad will face justice due to Russian protection.