Syria denies US allegations on chemical weapons

BEIRUT ― Syria’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed as “null and void” U.S. accusations that President Bashar Assad’s government is producing and using “new kinds of weapons” to deliver deadly chemicals despite committing to abolish its program in 2013.

The ministry said in a statement on Saturday that Syria confirms the American statements are “nothing more than lies” based on the accounts of what the Trump administration called its partners on ground.

Syria also says that reports by Western-backed media outlets about Damascus using chemical weapons “is a new version of U.S. and Western desperate intentions to create” an excuses to attack Syria.

A crane transfers containers of Syrian chemical weapons from a Danish freighter to a US military ship ahead of their destruction at sea on July 2, 2014, in the port of Gioia Tauro, southern Italy. (Mario LaPorta/AFP/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump has not ruled out additional military action to deter attacks or punish Assad, administration officials said earlier this week, although they did not suggest any action was imminent.

More In Flashpoints

Russia claims its Zadira laser weapon destroyed a drone in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that the claim reflects Moscow’s desire to find an alternative to missiles.

Ukrainian troops surrendering at Mariupol registered as POWs

Hundreds more fighters have emerged from the Mariupol stronghold where they made their last stand and surrendered.

US troop pullout was key factor in Afghan collapse, watchdog says

The report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction mirrors assertions made by senior Pentagon and military leaders.

Ukraine

Army veteran volunteers with bomb tech crews in Ukraine

Retired Army Lt. Col. John Culp is currently volunteering in Kyiv with the nonprofit Bomb Techs Without Borders.

Small wins buoy Ukraine; West says Russians losing momentum

“Ukraine can win this war,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.

In Other News

Navy says it will lose millions by not committing to 10 destroyers in upcoming contract

The U.S. Navy doesn’t want to over-commit to buying too many ships in the next five years, in case it can’t follow through due to fiscal or supply chain issues. That will cost the service millions of dollars.

Biden invokes Defense Production Act for formula shortage

President Joe Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act to speed production of infant formula and has authorized flights to import supply from overseas.

Senior Airman Markus Wagner, 911th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, watches a C-17 Globemaster III at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pa., March 31, 2020. (Joshua J. Seybert/Air Force)

Air Force may allow another dash of ’stache

The decision isn't yet final, but may come as soon as Friday.

Junior service members being hit hard by inflation, senior enlisted leaders say

From food to child care to housing, inflation is hitting junior service members especially hard.

Meet the moms behind the Army’s new parenthood policies

Meet two soldier moms who discuss the sweeping changes benefiting new parents and others on this episode of The Spouse Angle podcast.

Navy’s top enlisted sailor denies telling George Washington crew to ‘lower your standards’

Despite no public proof that Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith ever uttered such an edict, "lower your standards" has become an online rallying cry in recent weeks for those disillusioned with Navy life.

Thai archival find may resolve fate of missing WWII US pilot

The remains of an American airman missing in World War II may be heading home, thanks to a chance discovery of records in flood-threatened archives in Thailand.

Officer ‘motorboated’ subordinate at promotion ceremony, retires after guilty plea

A plea deal let the officer keep his retirement, court records revealed.

Feds: National Guard members on state duty can join unions

The Department of Justice has given the green light to National Guard members on active state duty across the country to join labor unions.

Harris tells Coast Guard grads rule of law is under attack

Vice President Kamala Harris told the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s graduating cadets that they are starting their service at a crucial moment for the world.