1st LD: Syrian army officially denies chemical attack in Idlib

The Syrian army categorically denied executing a toxic attack in the rebel-held area in the country's northwestern province of Idlib on Tuesday, according to state news agency SANA.

The general-command of the Syrian army said the accusations of carrying out a poisonous gas attack against the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib's countryside are completely baseless.

Earlier, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said warplanes discharged intensive airstrikes on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib, killing 58 people, mostly civilians.

The opposition accused the Syrian air force of being behind the attack.

The statement said the army hasn't yet, nor will use such weapons in the future, adding that the Syrian army is "above such heinous, and criminal acts."

The statement held "terrorist groups" responsible for using chemical weapons.

Nevertheless, the attack received international condemnation.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson called reports of the attack "horrific," adding that the incident "must be investigated and perpetrators held to account."

The United Nations special envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura said the attack is believed to be chemical and was launched by air, noting there ought to be a "clear recognition of responsibility and accountability." Endit