Russia warns US against Syria strike

Russia has issued a warning to the US, urging it to avoid taking military action in Syria in response to a suspected chemical weapon attack.

Russian envoy to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia (pictured above), said the US would be held responsible for any “illegal military adventure”, adding: “I would once again beseech you to refrain from the plans that you’re currently developing.”

The warning came during a fractious meeting of the UN Security Council, where Russia and western allies failed to reach an agreement on an appropriate international response to the use of chemical weapons.

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According to The Guardian, the US, UK and France are already making preparations for air strikes in Syria that are “intended to punish the regime of Bashar al-Assad”, after a suspected chemical weapon attack left 45 people dead in the Damascus suburb of Douma.

Donald Trump has reportedly cancelled his first official visit to Latin America, sending vice president Mike Pence in his place. US Defence Secretary James Mattis has also cancelled travel plans.

The BBC’s Washington correspondent Barbara Plett Usher says Trump’s decision to cancel his plans “suggests the US response may involve a larger military operation than a limited strike”.

French President Emmanuel Macron has told reporters that a decision on any military action would be made in the coming days, following “exchanges of technical and strategic information with our partners, in particular Britain and America”.

Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has also offered his support for US-led military action, saying: “If our alliance with our partners requires it, we will be present.”