Syria Crisis: OPCW experts to enter Douma, scene of alleged chemical attack

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Chemical weapons experts with the OPCW are set to enter Douma for their investigation on Wednesday. Our correspondent Alaa Ebrahim was at the town, which is also the last in Syria under rebel control, and describes the situation on the ground there now.

Douma, the last rebel-held town near Damascus to fall. The city that has been the heart of the rebellion against the government since 2012 keeps a lot of secrets. A building buried underground to avoid shelling, networks of tunnels stretching for miles and underground warehouses and hospitals. But, the town's most haunting secrets are related to the chemical attack on April 7th.

ALAA EBRAHIM DOUMA "We are standing at the entrance of the basement where locals say the chemical attack hit. Locals tell us that more than ten people were killed here."

The Syrian army announced it regained control over the town on Saturday. Since then, life in Douma has slowly regained some of its normal rhythms. Amid the ruins of this city, people struggle on, having survived one of the worst events in the 7-year civil war.

This medical center is where the injured from last week's attack were treated.

As the residents start putting their lives back together, re-captured parts of the city reveal the preparations the rebels made here, networks of tunnels thousands of mortar shells and elaborate underground hideouts.

RESIDENT OF DOUMA "The basement near us was used as a bomb shelter. Almost all of those inside died. We went to the medical center and we found the rest there."

The Syrian military says it has now purified this region of terrorists. Residents queue for loaves of bread from the government and hope for a lasting peace. Alaa Ebrahim, CGTN, Douma.