US Claims Syria Preparing Chemical Weapons
The new U.S adviser for Syria, Jim Jeffrey said on Thursday that the Syrian government forces in Idlib, Northwest Syria are preparing chemical weapons. He also warned of the threats of an offensive attack on the country’s last rebel territory. Jeffrey revealed this to a few reporters in his first interview on the situation in Syria:
“I am very sure that we have very, very good grounds to be making these warnings. Any offensive is to us objectionable as a reckless escalation. There is lots of evidence that chemical weapons are being prepared.”
On Monday, President Donald Trump’s national security adviser John Bolton said that the United States, Britain and France agreed that if the Syrian government makes use of chemical weapons again, “a much stronger response” compared to past air strikes will be enforced.
He told reporters, “We’ve tried to convey the message in recent days that if there’s a third use of chemical weapons, the response will be much stronger.”
“I can say we’ve been in consultation with the British and the French, who joined us in the second strike, and they also agree that another use of chemical weapons will result in a much stronger response.”
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has already ordered his troops to gather with the allied forces at the Northwest frontlines. The Russian air force has participated in the bombing of the rebels’ area, which is considered as a prelude to a highly anticipated massive assault.
On Friday, a meeting between the leaders of Assad’s supporters (Russia and Iran), and the rebels’ ally (Turkey) will be held in Tehran.
“We will find out to some degree tomorrow if the Russians are willing to come to a compromise with the Turks,” Jeffrey said.
“I think the last chapter of the Idlib story has not been written. The Turks are trying to find a way out. The Turks have shown a great deal of resistance to an attack,” he added.
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