ForeverYoung436, et al,
First, let me say that we simply don't know the purpose of intent of the operation. BUT there may be any number of legitimate reasons in support of a military advantage. There is no reason to jump to some sinister conspiracy theory without the barest of facts.
Over a half century ago, when I was in my first combat tour, the US had a unique set of Operations called "Ranch Hand and Trail Dust" which ran for ≈ decade; ending in 1971. It was a combination of multiple herbicides and defoliants; 15-20 Million Gallons disbursed in. The GI's just called it "Agent Orange."
Well it's not like Aljazeera doesn't have an ax to grind
I wouldn't trust Al Jazeera as a credible news source.