The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has investigated recent reports alleging use of chemical weapons in Mundri but found no evidence so far for the use of chemical weapons, the mission spokesperson said today.

A number of online media including Nyamilepedia, Sudan Tribune, and Wangdunkon Media had cited rebel officials as saying governemnt forces bombarded areas with chemical weapons in Western Equatoria.

“We have been investigating reports of chemical weapon uses in Mundri, especially the United Nations Mine Action service. We have been visiting people in the hospital – there is absolutely no trace of the use of the chemical weapons,” said Ariane Quentier, UNMISS spokersperson.

She said one woman was admitted to the hospital with eye problems and two children with breathing difficulty suspected to be from smoke inhalation. She said they were treated and released, noting no signs of chemical weapons.

Ariane said the smoke inhaled by children could have come from either conventional weapons or tear gas, stressing not chemical weapons.

Separately, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) is reported to be working on an incident report about ceasefire violations in Mundri. The group met yesterday to discuss a report that has not yet been made public, though CTSAMM did not confirm whether the report was about Mundri.