Chemical weapon attack ‘cannot go unchallenged’

US President Donald Trump warns of impending strikes

Theresa May has said “all the indications” are that the Syrian regime was behind a chemical attack on its own people as the United States prepares to launch air strikes.

The Prime Minister did not indicate whether Britain will be involved in the military campaign but insisted continued attacks “cannot go unchallenged” as she pledged to continue working with the UK’S “closest allies” on how the dictatorship is held to account.

Donald Trump warned yesterday that air strikes are imminent in Syria, declaring missiles “will be coming”.

Bashar Assad’s regime called the threats “reckless” and Moscow said dropping missiles would destroy evidence of a chemical attack.

Mrs May said: “All the indications are that the Syrian regime was responsible and we will be working with our closest allies on how we can ensure that those who are responsible are held to account and how we can prevent and deter the humanitarian catastrophe that comes from the use of chemical weapons in the future.

“The continued use of chemical weapons cannot go unchallenged.”

The Prime Minister sidestepped questions over whether she was concerned about the US president’s tweet.

She told reporters during a visit to Birmingham that she was “appalled” but “not surprised” by Russia’s decision to veto a draft resolution at the United Nations on Tuesday which sought to create a new body to determine responsibility for the attack.

“There can be no role now for investigations by the United Nations,” Mrs May said.

She faces pressure to secure support from the Commons, which is currently in recess for Easter, for involving Britain in air strikes but has the power to take the decision without the backing of MPS.

Russia has warned against military action and said it will shoot down rockets fired at its ally.

In a tweet responding to the threat, President Trump said: “Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria.

“Get ready, Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and ‘smart’. You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!”

Soon afterwards, however, he suggested it was time to “stop the arms race” and said there was no reason for the low in relations between Russia and the US.

Picture: Getty. People from Douma arrive in Al-bab where temporary accommodation will be provided.