Syria: Chemical weapons inspectors take samples from site after being shot by snipers on way

The UN convoy leaving a Damascus hotel early on Monday

UN Chemical Weapons inspectors investigating an alleged chemical weapons attack in Damascus have been shot at by snipers, but  reached the site of alleged chemical weapons use. UN Spokesperson Martin Nesirky said: "The first vehicle of the chemical weapons investigations team was deliberately shot at multiple times by unidentified snipers".  There were of casualties, although a vehicle part of the UN convoy was damaged. The team were reported to have been shot at in a 'buffer zone' on their way to the alleged chemical gas attack site. Syrian State Media reported that the attack was by 'opposition terrorists'. After changing vehicles due to damage, the weapons inspectors - wearing body armor - proceeded onto the site, collecting samples and meeting doctors and survivors, before returning to their Damascus hotel.