On December 12, 2013, the United Nations Mission to Investigate Allegations of the Use of Chemical Weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic issued a report concluding “that chemical weapons have been used in the ongoing conflict between the parties in the Syrian Arab Republic.”  The report stated that “clear and convincing evidence” existed “that chemical weapons were used … against civilians, including children, on a relatively large scale in the Ghouta area of Damascus on 21 August 2013.”  The Mission also collected information on the alleged use of chemical weapons in Khan Al Asal on March 19, 2013; Jobar on August 24, 2013; Saraqueb on April 29, 2013; and Ashrafiah Sahnaya on August 25, 2013.  It could not, however, corroborate allegations that chemical weapons were used in Bahhariyeh on August 22, 2013, or Sheik Maqsood in April 13, 2013.  According to the press release, this report follows the Mission’s September finding of “clear and convincing evidence” of Sarin gas attacks in the Damascus area against civilians, including children.