Specifically, Russia has suggested that as a pretext for United States strikes against the Assad regime, humanitarian organizations in Syria were planning a chemical weapon attack. "That Russia is seeking to plant false lies about chemical weapons use suggests that Moscow is seeking to deflect from its own culpability when these heinous weapons are used. Pentagon monitoring Russian activity in MediterraneanThe Pentagon is also closely watching Russian military maneuvers in the eastern Mediterranean. It is also well known that the US military could use jamming and electronic warfare countermeasures against any Russian military efforts. The US has said they will hold the Assad regime accountable if chemical weapons are used in an attempt to retake Idlib, according to an NSC official.

Source: CNN August 31, 2018 18:13 UTC