US warns Syria over 'potential preparations' for another chemical attack
The US has warned Syria over "potential preparations" for another chemical attack in the war-hit country, saying there will be "a heavy price" to pay. It said "another chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime" would likely result in "the mass murder of civilians". In April, about 90 people including over 30 children died in a suspected chemical attack by the Syrian government.
The last attack had left about 90 dead
In April, a suspected chemical attack reportedly involving Sarin gas left dozens dead in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun. The US blamed the Bashar al-Assad regime, but the latter denied any role. It even said the whole attack was a "fabrication". Russia, an ally of Syria, meanwhile said the Syrian air force had hit Sheikhoun but it was targeting "a large terrorist ammunition depot".
The US later destroyed suspected storehouse of chemical weapons
Afterwards, US President Donald Trump had ordered a strike against a Syrian air base. Fifty-nine Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired from American Navy warships at an airfield in Shayrat, which was suspected to be a storehouse for chemical weapons.
'Heavy price to pay' if another attack: US tells Syria
The US statement said the activities identified this time were similar to those before the last attack in April. It added: "As we have previously stated, the United States is in Syria to eliminate the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. If, however, Mr Assad conducts another mass murder attack using chemical weapons, he and his military will pay a heavy price."
