The Trump administration says that they reserve right to take military action against the Syrian government if needed to prevent or deter use of chemical weapons.
Senior officials said that the recent chemical attacks in Syria suggest Assad’s forces may be developing new weapons
The characteristics of recent alleged attacks suggest Syria is producing chemical weapons despite a 2013 deal to destroy its program.
The officials say it's "highly likely" that Syria kept a stockpile of weapons.
The officials also say Syria may be making new kinds of weapons, either to improve their military capability or to escape international accountability.
The officials also say the Islamic State group keeps using chemical weapons such as sulfur mustard and chlorine. The officials say the militants are using shells or improvised explosive devices to deliver the chemicals.
The officials weren't authorized to discuss the assessment on the record and briefed reporters on condition of anonymity.
(With The Associated Press and Reuters)
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