The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons announced that they will deploy a fact-finding team to investigate allegations about a suspected chemical attack to Syria’s Douma. United States President Donald Trump cancelled his first official visit to Latin America this week to focus on the suspected attack.

Rescue workers have said that at least 70 people were killed in the attack, but that the toll would rise as they get access to the basements where civilians sought refuge from the attack. They added that many of the injured showed symptoms indicating that they were exposed to a compound containing nerve gas.

Both Syria and Russia, its biggest supporter, have denied involvement in the attack in the rebel-held Douma town, instead claiming that rebel groups had fabricated it to thwart the advances of the Syrian troops and provoke global military intervention. Syria and Russia have offered to coordinate with the authorities concerned over the inspection visit.

The White House said Trump would remain in Washington to “oversee the American response to Syria”. The development follows statements made by several world leaders after an emergency meeting of the United States Security Council on Monday. US Vice President Mike Pence will fill in for Trump on the tour.

The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on two contrasting draft resolutions proposed by the US and Russia on the suspected attack. The US has sought a new committee to investigate the suspected attacks.