Russia Warns of ‘Grave’ Repercussions to US Threat To Military Action In Syria

The war of words between Moscow and Washington over a suspected chemical attack against Syrian rebels has escalated, with international tensions rising amid calls for action at a UN Security Council meeting. 

The US, France and Britain, along with six other countries, requested Monday’s emergency session after medics and rescue teams said that the rebel-held town of Douma had been hit by a “poisonous chlorine gas attack” on Saturday that killed dozens of people, including many women and children. 

Meanwhile, both Russia and the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad have labelled the allegations “fabrications”. 

The US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, told the urgent meeting that Washington was ready to “respond” to the chemical attack regardless of whether the UN Security Council took action or not, amidst the increasing tensions. 

"We have reached the moment when the world must see justice done," she said.

"History will record this as the moment when the Security Council either discharged its duty or demonstrated its utter and complete failure to protect the people of Syria," she added. "Either way, the United States will respond.”

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s UN ambassador, called the chemical attack allegations “fake news,” saying that Russia was ready to fly in weapons inspectors to the scene themselves for testing. He warned that any military action taken against the Assad government could have “grave repercussions,” while also accusing France, Britain and the US of "hawkish rhetoric" and "boorishness against my country," adding that their lack of a clear strategy for Syria was "appalling." 

By Máté Földi 

Photo: Wikipedia