W. House: Assad is prepping gas strike
The White House accused the Syrian government on Monday of preparing for another chemical attack against its own people — and threatened a “heavy price” if it goes through with the atrocity.
A statement from the office of the press secretary said that the purported attack could lead to the “mass murder of civilians” and warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad he would face consequences.
“The United States had identified potential preparations for another chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime,” the statement read. “The activities are similar to preparations the regime made before its April 4, 2017, chemical weapons attack.”
The White House said the main goal of US forces in the region is to eliminate ISIS from their Syrian strongholds. But it added that if Assad launches another “mass murder attack using chemical weapons, he and his military will pay a heavy price.”
April’s gas attack took place in a rebel-held area in the northern part of Syria. Scores were killed and children could be seen on video choking and foaming at the mouth before succumbing to the deadly chemicals.
In response, the US launched dozens of missiles at an air base used by Syrian government forces.
Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, tweeted, “Any further attacks done to the people of Syria will be blamed on Assad, but also on Russia & Iran who support him killing his own people.”