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International opponents push for offensive in Syria

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The international opponents of the Syrian government are pushing for an offensive against the Arab country under the pretext of an alleged chemical attack near the capital, Damascus.

Prominent Israeli cabinet ministers called on Sunday for a US-led response over the accusations that the Syrian government was behind the attack on militant strongholds in the Damascus suburbs of Ain Tarma, Zamalka and Jobar.

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said the US-led response would discourage further such attacks, but would have security implications for Israel.

Israeli President Shimon Peres called for an international action to “take out” chemical weapons in Syria.

French President Francois Hollande also said on Sunday that there is evidence showing that the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had carried out the attack.

He also called on the Syrian government to give the UN team of chemical weapons inspectors immediate and unrestricted access to suspect sites.

Earlier in the day, US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said the US military was ready to take action against Syria if President Obama gives the green light.

“President Obama has asked the Defense Department to prepare options for all contingencies. We have done that and we are prepared to exercise whatever option — if he decides to employ one of those options,” Hagel said.

On August 21, the head of the so-called opposition Syrian National Coalition, George Sabra, claimed that 1,300 people were killed in a government chemical attack on militant strongholds in Damascus suburbs of Ain Tarma, Zamalka and Jobar.

The Syrian government, however, has vehemently rejected the allegation, saying the foreign-backed militants had carried out the attack.

On Saturday, the Syrian forces found chemical agents in tunnels dug by the militants in Jobar. A number of soldiers suffocated as they entered the area.

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