Iraq unit with Australian advisers hit by Islamic State chemical attack, no casualties

An Iraqi military unit with US and Australian advisers has been hit by an Islamic State chemical attack that the Pentagon says was ineffective.

Key points:

• Pentagon aware of “low grade” chemical attack on Iraqi unit in west Mosul
• Australian and US advisers were with the unit at the time, showed no medical signs of exposure
• Islamic State’s gas attacks labelled as “rudimentary” and desperate

The Pentagon said it was aware of what it said was a “low grade” chemical attack on an Iraqi unit in west Mosul, which has been the scene of heavy fighting as Iraqi forces and their allies battle Islamic State militants for possession of the city.

A defence official told the ABC Australian and US advisers were with the unit at the time.

The ABC understands the foreign advisers were medically screened and showed no signs of exposure. All returned to duty.

Source: Iraq military unit with Australian advisers hit by Islamic State chemical attack, no casualties – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)