UN: 2nd batch of toxic chemicals removed from Syria

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Beirut • The international mission ridding Syria of its chemical weapons says a second batch of toxic chemicals has been removed from the country.

The joint mission by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons says the materials were verified before being loaded onto Danish and Norwegian ships and taken out of the country.

The OPCW-UN said in a statement Monday the vessels were accompanied by a naval escort provided by China, Denmark, Norway and Russia.

The first batch of Syrian poison gas precursor chemicals was removed nearly three weeks ago from the country.

The most dangerous chemicals in Syria's stockpile were supposed to have been removed by Dec. 31, but poor security, bad weather and other factors meant the mission missed that deadline.