US troops at Iraq base use protective masks over burning sulfur
Winds brought fumes from a nearby burning sulfur plant set ablaze by Islamic State
A US soldier wearing a gas mask. PHOTO: AFP
BAGHDAD:
US forces at Iraq's Qayyarah West airfield near Mosul are wearing protective masks after winds brought fumes from a nearby burning sulfur plant set ablaze by Islamic State, US military officials said on Saturday.
US expects Islamic State to wield chemical weapons in Mosul fight
"The winds have actually shifted south, so, as a precautionary measure, the troops at Qayyarah West have donned their personal protective equipment - continuing their operations at this point in time," an official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Iraq forces in fierce Kirkuk clashes with IS
It was not immediately clear if the troops had been ordered to wear the protective gear or if they had elected to, a second official said.
US forces at Iraq's Qayyarah West airfield near Mosul are wearing protective masks after winds brought fumes from a nearby burning sulfur plant set ablaze by Islamic State, US military officials said on Saturday.
US expects Islamic State to wield chemical weapons in Mosul fight
"The winds have actually shifted south, so, as a precautionary measure, the troops at Qayyarah West have donned their personal protective equipment - continuing their operations at this point in time," an official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Iraq forces in fierce Kirkuk clashes with IS
It was not immediately clear if the troops had been ordered to wear the protective gear or if they had elected to, a second official said.