Mr Assad has responded with characteristic defiance, vowing to accelerate efforts to wipe out rebels he calls terrorists. Ahead of his election victory, Mr Trump had attacked Mr Obama's approach in ways that appeared to suggest he would back off from calls to remove Mr Assad. 'NO OPTION BUT VICTORY'Since the attack, Mr Trump has struck a tough tone, saying "something should happen" with Mr Assad, but not yet saying what that should be. He has also said there was no role for Mr Assad in Syria's future. Syrian state TV said the Waer district of Homs city area would be declared "free of weapons" this month.

Source: Bangkok Post April 10, 2017 20:15 UTC