Donald Trump
Donald TrumpReuters

The Assad regime in Syria is preparing for a massive chemical weapons attack aimed at civilians, the Trump administration claimed Monday evening.

According to a statement by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, US intelligence agencies have evidence suggesting the Syrian government is preparing for a large-scale chemical attack, similar to the strike near the city of Idlib in April which left dozens dead and hundreds more with serious injuries.

“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,” Spicer said.

“The activities are similar to preparations the regime made before its April 4, 2017 chemical weapons attack.”

The White House warned Assad that a new chemical weapons attack would not go unpunished.

“If… Mr. Assad conducts another mass murder attack using chemical weapons, he and his military will pay a heavy price,” said Spicer.”

Days after the April 4th attack, two US guided missile ships in the Mediterranean fired a barrage of 50 Tomahawk missiles at a Syrian military facility used in the chemical weapons attack.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley added that in addition to the Assad regime, the Russian government and Iran would also be held responsible for the mass murder of Syrian civilians.

“Any further attacks done to the people of Syria will be blamed on Assad, but also on Russia & Iran who support him killing his own people,” Haley tweeted.