Turkey ‘on alert’ against possible chemical attack

As Israelis scramble for gas masks, Turks prepare bunkers, protective gear, on-the-ground experts in case of chemical attack

Paramilitary police officers blocks a man holding a national flag outside the Silivri jail complex in Silivri, Turkey (illustrative photo credit: AP)
Paramilitary police officers blocks a man holding a national flag outside the Silivri jail complex in Silivri, Turkey (illustrative photo credit: AP)

ANKARA — Officials say Turkey is on alert against possible chemical attacks from Syria and has stocked food and gas masks along their shared border.

The Turkish government’s crisis management center said on Twitter on Thursday that officials had designated bunkers at seven areas along the border to protect the people in the area from harm.

It also said a team of 100 chemical weapons experts were sent to the border area which was being screened for any signs of chemical attacks.

Turkey is the strongest critic of Syrian President Bashar Assad, and has backed Syria’s opposition and rebels. The country said this week it would take part in any international coalition that would move against the Syrian government.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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