Global anti-chemical weapons watchdog denounces use of VX in Kim Jong-nam's killing

Published : Feb 28, 2017 - 09:51 Updated : Feb 28, 2017 - 09:51

The global anti-chemical weapons watchdog has denounced as "deeply disturbing" the use of a banned chemical weapons agent in the killing of the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons issued the statement after Malaysian police determined that the nerve agent VX was used in the killing of Kim Jong-nam, the North Korean leader's estranged brother, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13.

(Yonhap)

"The Malaysian authorities seem to have determined that the nerve agent VX was used in a killing at the airport on 13 February," an OPCW spokesperson said in a statement. "Any use of chemical weapons is deeply disturbing. OPCW stands ready to provide its expertise and technical assistance, if required, to any State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention."

VX is a chemical weapons agent listed as a weapon of mass destruction by the United Nations and its use is banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention. North Korea is not a signatory to the convention. Its use adds to mounting evidence that Pyongyang was behind the killing.

Eight North Koreans have also been named as suspects, but the North has denied its involvement. (Yonhap)