Burma army used chemical weapons says rights group

The Burmese army has used chemical weapons in an attack on rebel fighters from the Karen ethnic minority, according to an international human rights group.

The incident is alleged to have taken place near Burma's North-Western border with Thailand on 15 February.

The attack left Karenni fighters vomiting blood, unable to walk, and with blistering skin, Christian Solidarity Worldwide says.

According to accounts from Karenni fighters, engaged in a long-running war with Burma's military government, clouds of yellow vapour began pouring from exploding shells. They say the attack took place inside the Burmese border, 10 miles from the Thai town of Mae Hong Son.

The president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Australian physician Dr Martin Panter, has since flown to the area and examined five of the men. He concluded that the symptoms suggested exposure to some form of chemical attack.

Burma's government has "completely rejected" the allegations, saying it did not have or use chemical weapons.

Fighting between the military and the Karennis resumed at the end of last year after General Khin Nyunt, former Burmese Prime Minister, was put under house arrest, bymilitary leaders who reneged on the January 2004 ceasefire previously signed with Karen commanders.

- INDEPENDENT