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BAGHDAD, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday condemns the use of chemical weapons during the battle of Mosul.
Robert Mardini, ICRC's Regional Director for the Middle East, said that during the past two days, Rozhawa hospital, close to Mosul, has admitted five children and two women showing clinical symptoms "consistent with an exposure to a blistering chemical agent."
The symptoms of the patients include blisters, redness in the eyes, irritation, vomiting and coughing.
Local media reported that mortar fire launched from Islamic State (IS)-controlled west Mosul hit houses in the east of the city and some residents complained of a foul smelling chemical.
"The use of chemical weapons is absolutely prohibited under International humanitarian law," said Mardini. "We strongly condemn any use of chemical weapons, by any party, anywhere."
ICRC did not identify what type of chemical weapons might be involved. Iraqi government has not commented on this attack yet.
Iraqi army launched an offensive to liberate Mosul in October 2016 and controlled east Mosul late January. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the battle on Feb. 19 to expel IS extremists out of west Mosul.
