Syrian military defectors have described Branch 450 as a unit that prepares and transports chemical weapons to facilities that deploy them. On Monday, satellite imagery showed a Syrian aircraft parked near a building associated with chemical weapons at the Shayrat air base, said the analyst, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. The United States struck the base in April, after it was used to launch a chemical attack on Khan Sheikhoun. Shortly after the White House statement, Haley posted her approval via Twitter. European leaders rallied behind the White House as news of the Syrian preparations emerged.

Source: Washington Post June 27, 2017 14:35 UTC