The United States is closely monitoring reports of an alleged chemical weapons attack on a hospital in Douma, Syria, that occurred on April 7. Medical personnel and various contacts on the ground have reported potentially high casualties, including families seeking shelter. If these reports are confirmed, they would be considered horrifying and necessitate an immediate international response.
Heather Nauert, Spokesperson for the United States, stated that the U.S. remains committed to holding accountable those who use chemical weapons in Syria or elsewhere. She referenced the Assad regime's history of using such weapons against its people, highlighting a sarin gas attack by Assad’s forces on Khan Sheikhoun nearly a year prior that resulted in approximately 100 Syrian deaths.
Nauert emphasized the need for accountability and prevention of further attacks by the Assad regime and its supporters. She attributed responsibility for these brutal attacks to Russia due to its unwavering support for the Syrian regime. According to Nauert, Russia has breached its commitments as a framework guarantor to the United Nations by shielding Syria and violating both the Chemical Weapons Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2118.
The statement concluded with a call from the United States urging Russia to cease its support immediately and collaborate with the international community to prevent additional chemical weapon attacks.