Donald Trump blamed former President Barack Obama for the ongoing conflict in Syria in the wake of a horrific suspected chemical weapons attack that left dozens of people dead on late Saturday in Douma, according to BBC. Trump tweeted on Sunday, "If President Obama had crossed his stated Red Line In The Sand, the Syrian disaster would have ended long ago! Animal Assad would have been history!"
In 2012, Obama said the use of chemical weapons would "red line." When Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad performed another attack after this statement was made, Obama did not retaliate.
In two tweets, the president also blamed Russia (he called out Putin specifically) and Iran for the attacks. He said, "Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price...to pay. Open area immediately for medical help and verification. Another humanitarian disaster for no reason whatsoever. SICK!" Russia denies that it was involved with the chemical attack.
Vice President Mike Pence later tweeted, "@POTUS & I closely monitoring likely chemical attack in Syria. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the assault on innocent lives, including children. The Assad regime & its backers MUST END their barbaric behavior. As POTUS said, big price to pay for those responsible!"
A spokesman for the Syrian Civil Defense said a government helicopter dropped barrels that contained a chemical substance on the rebel-held suburb. Rescuers have reported over 70 deaths, a toll that's expected to rise. Most of the fatalities were women and children. The Syrian government and its ally Russia have denied the use of chemical weapons, calling the allegations a "fabrication," according to BBC.
