Russia warns US against Syria strike

US, UK and France reportedly planning military response to suspected chemical attack

Russia has warned the US of severe consequences if it takes military action against Syria
(Image credit: This content is subject to copyright.)

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.”

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

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.”

Explore More