President Trump holds both Russia and Syria responsible for a chemical attack Syrian President Bashar Assad launched on civilians over the weekend, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Wednesday, despite Russia’s denial that the attack even occurred.
“The intelligence provided certainly paints a different picture,” Sanders told reporters at the White House when asked about Russia’s claim that no chemical weapons were used on Syrians in Douma. “The president holds Syria and Russia responsible for this chemical weapons attack.”
Trump threatened earlier Wednesday to confront Russia militarily in Syria should Moscow make the decision to shoot down any U.S. missiles.
But Sanders declined to specify whether the president was prepared to clash with Russia should the country attempt to stop Trump’s response to the Assad regime’s attack.
“All options are on the table,” Sanders said. “A final decision hasn’t been made.”
The White House spokeswoman noted Trump has made some decisions related to the U.S. response, in keeping with his promise earlier this week to settle on a response within 48 hours.
“Certainly, the president has made some decisions,” she said, citing Trump’s choice to forego a planned trip to Latin America in order to focus on the Syria response.
Although senior administration officials have said the U.S. is still examining evidence related to the chemical weapons attack, Sanders said the White House has seen enough to conclude who is responsible for the strike.
“There are things that are being assessed … but we’re confident” laying some of the blame for attack on Russia and the Assad regime, she said.
