Syria braces for possible US attack, calls it ‘reckless’
BEIRUT — With a mix of fear and defiance, Syrians braced on Wednesday for a possible U.S. attack in retaliation to an alleged chemical assault that killed dozens over the weekend. Some stocked up on food and prepared underground shelters while others taunted the U.S. president to go through with his threats.
Activists reported that government forces vacated strategic potential targets, including air bases around the country in apparent preparation for incoming strikes.
The Foreign Ministry in Damascus denounced President Donald Trump’s threat to attack the country as “reckless” and a danger to international peace and security.
The statement was the latest in a war of words raging between Washington and Moscow since Saturday’s suspected chemical attack on the rebel-held town Douma, just outside Damascus, which killed more than 40 people according to activists and first responders.