The White House on Wednesday declined to rule out the possibility of direct military engagement with Russia in the wake of last weekend’s deadly chemical gas attack in Syria.
“All options are on the table,” press secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters in response to questions about a potential open conflict with Moscow.
“Russia has proven themselves to be responsible, in part, for this,” Sanders said of the attack, the second of its kind that has occurred in Syria since President Trump took office. “They guaranteed the use of chemical weapons by Syria would not happen again. They failed at that. They certainly hold some responsibility for this and certainly have proven themselves to be bad actors in this process.”
Trump hinted earlier Wednesday that U.S. forces were preparing to take imminent action against the Bashar Assad regime, despite Russia’s threat to shoot down any missiles fired in Syria.
“Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and ‘smart!'” Trump tweeted. “You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!”
The president met with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis Wednesday afternoon, just days after discussing punitive options for Syria with a group of senior military officials. Sanders said Trump is currently weighing the various actions he could take and has yet to make a final decision.
