White House warns Syria is preparing for another chemical attack

The United States has said it believes there are preparations being made for another chemical attack in Syria, and warned Bashar al-Assad’s regime against the use of such weapons.

A statement from the White House on Monday said Syria would pay a 'heavy price' if it were to carry out any attacks using chemical weapons.

President Donald Trump ordered an airstrike on a Syrian air base in April after dozens were killed in a chemical attack.

The White House statement said: "The United States has identified potential preparations for another chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime that would likely result in the mass murder of civilians, including innocent children.

The White House said Syria would pay a 'heavy price' if it were to participate in any attacks using chemical weapons

"As we have previously stated, the United States is in Syria to eliminate the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. If, however, Mr Assad conducts another mass murder attack using chemical weapons, he and his military will pay a heavy price."

Media reports in the US suggested officials at the state department and high-ranking defence officials were surprised by the statement.

Tensions between the US and Russia have increased in recent months as the conflict in Syria deepens, with the Kremlin supporting al-Assad’s regime along with neighbouring Iran since 2015.

More than 300,000 people have been killed as a result of the civil war in Syria, with millions more being left homeless as a result.