Yahoo News Donald Trump says attack on Syria could happen 'very soon'
Donald Trump has said a missile attack on Syria could happen ‘very soon’ in a cryptic message in which he also seemed to backpedal on the extraordinary warlike rhetoric from yesterday.
The US president tweeted this morning, ‘Never said when an attack on Syria would take place.
‘Could be very soon or not so soon at all!’
Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 12, 2018
Yesterday, President Trump hit out at Russia’s support of the Assad regime in Syria after a suspected chemical attack in the city of Douma – which left dozens dead – provoked international outrage.
Posting on Twitter, he described Assad as a ‘Gas Killing Animal’.
The new statement may perplex allies, with France and British ministers set to consider the possibility of backing military action in the region.
Although Assad has denied the attack, Theresa May has claimed that ‘all the indications’ are pointing towards it being ordered by the Syrian regime.
And the Prime Minister is believed to be willing to support taking action against Syria without seeking the consent of parliament.
She has summoned ministers to discuss the UK’s response, where she is laying out the case for air strikes by British forces.
If Mrs May agrees to launch a barrage of missiles on Syria, in would likely stoke anger among MPs.
Jeremy Corbyn has already condemned the PM’s approach, saying ‘more killing, more war will not save life’.
He added: ‘Hundreds of thousands have died and lost their lives in Syria. There has to be a political solution.’
SNP defence spokesman Stewart McDonald also called for a parliamentary vote before any decision to launch air strikes against the regime.
“While the need for action is clear – that action must be properly considered. Air strikes have not prevented these attacks and will not provide the long-term solutions needed to end the war,” he said.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable said that while the use of chemical weapons crossed a “clear red line”, ministers should present their evidence of regime involvement to MPs.
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“A unilateral response by any country, outside of a wider strategy, without allies is not the way forward. There must be a debate and vote in the House of Commons ahead of any military action,” he said.
Leanne Wood, Plaid Cymru leader, stated the government had ‘no authority’ to launch strikes.
No mandate from public or Parliament, no UN resolution, no genuine investigation of facts, no serious plan for what comes next for people in Syria; the UK govt has no authority to follow Trump into a possible confrontation with Russia #NotInMyNameTheresaMay pic.twitter.com/Q1Popu8KQa
— LeanneWood (@LeanneWood) April 12, 2018
In 2013, MPs blocked David Cameron from joining US forces after another chemical attack.
Brexit Secretary David Davis, who voted against action five years ago, indicated it could be different this time because Mr Cameron had failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify action.
