Chemical security

Concern in the North: ISIS cells in the Golan could use chemical weapons

The security echelon in Israel has estimated that the Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade, an Islamist organization that identifies with ISIS in the southern Golan in Syria, has acquired some of Syrian President Basher Assad's chemical weapons stockpile, Channel 10 reported on Tuesday.

Security forces have kept a close eye on the activities of the Islamic State sympathizers near Israel's northern border as it fears that its militants will attempt to use the newly obtained explosive devices with mustard and chlorine gas payloads against Israel.

The threat of unconventional weapons, such as mustard or chlorine gas, is particularly fear-inducing as it could be disseminated to effect a large portion of the civilian population. If inhaled, chlorine gas turns to hydrochloric acid in the lungs, which can lead to internal burning and drowning through a reactionary release of fluid in the lungs. Similarly, mustard gas can be proliferated through the air and cause, among other complications, respiratory infections and ultimately death.