Assad regime 'moves chemical weapons to airports on Syria's borders'

Damascus, July 24 (ANI): The embattled regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly moved deadly chemical weapons to airports on the country's borders with neighbouring countries.

A rebel group, the Free Syrian Army (FSA), has claimed in a statement: "We in the joint command of the Free Syrian Army inside the country know very well the locations and positions of these weapons."

"We also reveal that Assad has transferred some of these weapons and equipment for mixing chemical components to airports on the border," it added.

The regime's move came a day after the regime warned it could use them if attacked by an outside force, The Telegraph reports.

According to the paper, the statement said the weapons had been moved in a bid to pressure the international community, much of which has called for Assad to step aside in the face of a 16-month uprising against his rule.

"According to our information, the regime began moving its stocks of weapons of mass destruction several months ago, with the goal of putting pressure on the region and the international community," the FSA said.

Meanwhile, eight people have reportedly been killed in a mutiny at a prison in Syria's second city of Aleppo, the report said.

According to the Syrian National Council, security forces 'opened fire with bullets and tear gas on the detainees at Aleppo central prison in response to a peaceful sit-in organised by prisoners because of the great injustice of which they are victims.' (ANI)