A suspected chemical weapons attack by the Asaad regime last week has been condemned by U.S. President Donald Trump, who also called out Russia and Iran for backing Asaad.
“Many dead, including women and children, in mindless chemical attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia, and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay. Open area immediately for medical help and verification. Another humanitarian disaster for no reason whatsoever. Sick!” Trump tweeted on Sunday following last week’s chemical weapons attack.
Reports say chemical agents were dropped from a warplane over a rebel-held area, killing dozens of people.
U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Syria has been emboldened by Trump’s announcement last week to begin withdrawing U.S. troops from Syria.
“President Trump last week signaled to the world that the United States would prematurely withdraw from Syria,” Mccain said. “Bashar Assad and his Russian and Iranian backers have heard him, and emboldened by American inaction, Assad has reportedly launched another chemical attack against innocent men, women and children, this time in Douma. Initial accounts show dozens of innocent civilians, including children, have been targeted by this vicious bombardment designed to burn and choke the human body and leave victims writhing in unspeakable pain.”
McCain added that Assad should be held accountable for his suspected war crimes.
“President Trump was quick to call out Assad today, along with the Russian and Iranian governments, on Twitter. The question now is whether he will do anything about it. The President responded decisively when Assad used chemical weapons last year. He should do so again and demonstrate that Assad will pay a price for his war crimes,” McCain said.
The Arizona senator said Trump needs to change course regarding Syria.
“To be sure, President Trump inherited bad options after years of inaction by his predecessor in Syria,” McCain said. “History will render a bitter judgment on America for that failure. But no one should believe we are out of options. We can and should change course – starting with a comprehensive strategy that lays out clear objectives for our mission there. It’s not too late to stop Assad’s impunity and begin to rewrite this terrible chapter in our history.”