EU paves way for Russia sanctions over chemical weapons
The European Union on Monday unveiled a legal framework to allow sanctions against the use of chemical weapons.
Chemical Weapons
U.S. backed in corner as Syria, Russia plan bloody assault in Idlib with chemical weapons in arsenal
With Bashar Assad and his Russian allies on the verge of victory in Syria’s civil war, the Trump administration is facing new pressure to respond forcefully and prevent a bloodbath of historic proportions — but analysts say the U.S. has virtually no good options, as seven years of muddy American policy toward Syria has left Moscow holding all the cards.
Fresh Debate As Germany Mulls Joining Airstrikes in the Event of Another Chemical Attack in Syria
Amid growing concerns about a possible chemical weapons attack in Syria’s Idlib province, Germany appears to be mulling participation in any retaliatory U.S.-led airstrikes, in a reversal of its traditionally hesitant stance on military engagement.
Syria threatened with ‘stronger response’ if it uses chemical weapons in Idlib
Britain, France and the US have warned Syria it will suffer a “much stronger response” if it uses chemical weapons again.
U.S. has seen evidence of Syria preparing chemical weapons in Idlib: envoy
There is ‘lots of evidence’ that chemical weapons are being prepared by Syrian government forces in Idlib in northwest Syria, the new U.S. adviser for Syria said on Thursday, as he warned of the risks of an offensive on the country’s last big rebel enclave.
U.N. fears chemical weapons in Syria battle with ‘10,000 terrorists’
The United Nations called on Russia, Iran and Turkey on Thursday to forestall a battle in Syria’s Idlib province which would affect millions of civilians and could see both sides using chlorine as a chemical weapon.
Russia’s Syria chemical weapons attack warning dubious, experts say
The Russian government is warning of a staged gas attack by Syrian rebels in Idlib. Experts doubt the validity of that information, however, and see the move as a telltale sign of desperation in Moscow.
Israeli jets said to strike Iranian-run missile production facility in Syria
Israeli jets reportedly carried out a strike Sunday on a missile production facility in northwest Syria that observers say was supervised by Iranians. In the past, the site was allegedly used to produce and store chemical weapons.
U.S., France and Gulf allies agree to new round of talks on Syria
French President Emmanuel Macron and President Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Brussels have reportedly agreed on a plan to push Middle East allies Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan to start talks on way to put an end to Syria’s seven-year civil war.
‘Christianity in Syria is under Threat from Forces the West is Supporting’
Two thousand years of Christianity in Syria could be wiped out by the very forces Western governments are supporting, an Anglican vicar has claimed.
Syria: Chemical weapons experts await UN security team clearance to enter Douma
Syria’s UN ambassador told the United Nations Security Council Tuesday that a UN security team traveled to the town of Douma, outside the capital Damascus, to ascertain whether it was safe for global chemical weapons experts to visit the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack last week that killed dozens.
Russia Sees No Need for U.N. Inquiry Into Syria Toxic Gas Attacks
Russia told the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday there was no point establishing a new inquiry to determine blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria because the United States and its allies had already acted as judge and executioner.
Trump puts brakes on Russian sanctions over Syria
President Trump on Monday ordered a hold on new economic sanctions against Russia over its support for Syria and said he remain committed to pulling U.S. troops out of the war-torn nation, despite what was widely seen as a successful strike with allies on President Bashar Assad’s chemical weapons infrastructure over the weekend.
US to Hit Russia With New Sanctions for Aiding Syria’s Assad
President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his use of the phrase ‘Mission Accomplished’ to describe a U.S.-led missile attack on Syria’s chemical weapons program, even as his aides stressed continuing U.S. troop involvement and plans for new economic sanctions against Russia for enabling the government of Bashar Assad.
Biggest Naval force since Iraq on course for Syria
An armada of 12 warships — the largest US strike force since the 2003 Iraq war – is steaming toward the Middle East as President Trump mulls an attack on Syria in retaliation for a chemical weapons attack on civilians, according to a report.
Allies hit three facilities to degrade Syria’s chemical weapons program
The Defense Department said Friday night that U.S., British and French forces struck three Syrian facilities that officials believe play a key role in Syria’s ability to research, produce and store chemical weapons.
U.S., allies launch missile attack on Syria in retaliation for using chemical weapons on civilians
The U.S. launched missile strikes on Syria Friday night in coordination with Britain and France in retaliation for Syria’s chemical-weapons attack on civilians last weekend.
Russia vows ‘consequences’ for Syria strike
Russia warned late Friday there would be ‘consequences’ for President Trump’s decision to proceed with airstrikes against Syrian President Bashar Assad’s chemical weapons facilities, according to Moscow’s representative to the U.S.
Inspectors head to site of suspected gas attack in Syria
A team of inspectors from the international chemical weapons watchdog was on its way to Syria on Thursday to begin an investigation into a suspected chemical weapons attack near the capital that has brought the war-torn country to the brink of a wider conflict, amid Western threats of retaliation and Russian warnings of the potential for ‘a dangerous escalation.’
US said planning to hit 8 sites in Syria after confirming chemical attack
The White House is considering eight potential Syrian targets in retaliation for a chemical weapons assault, a US official told CNBC Thursday.