The US has openly promoted Bundeswehr’s involvement in a military retaliation against a poison gas attack in Syria. “The best way to show political support is not a speech, but military solidarity,” said US special envoy for Syria, James Jeffrey, during a visit to Berlin. The US would try to get as much military support as possible in NATO for such a military strike. The US expectations have not been publicly communicated so far.
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The Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad and its allies have been preparing for weeks an offensive to region of Idlib in northwest Syria. According to US, United States has indicated that chemical weapons could also be used. In such a case, one is willing to respond appropriately, it is said by US government.
“The war is nearing end.” Above Idlib region, most active leaflets were thrown off, warning inhabitants of an offensive by Syrian Army. © Omar Haj KADOUR/AFP/Getty Images
On Monday it had become known that a German participation in a potential retaliation was examined in federal Defense Ministry. Several politicians of Union, FDP and Greens had shown mselves openly for such a commitment. SPD chief Andrea Nahles had repeatedly rejected this and was criticized for this by Angela Merkel (CDU). The Chancellor wants to keep decision open until it comes to a chemical weapons mission.
Intervention by Bundeswehr would be legally problematic. The scientific service of Bundestag has classified such a procedure as contrary to international law and unconstitutional.
Jeffrey also said that promotion of US for military support in Allies was politically motivated. “It is helpful if a president can show that ors are supporting us,” he said, drawing a parallel to Iraq War in 2003, in which Germany and France, among ors, did not participate. “That was a big problem for us in politics.”
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In April, US had responded to a suspected poison gas attack, for which it blamed President Assad’s government forces, along with Britain and France, and bombarded several positions in Syria. The federal government supported se retaliatory strikes, but did not participate militarily. At that time, however, re was no request from USA.
Jeffrey now said in Berlin that retaliation will be much bigger this time than in April. “Of course, in such a case we are looking for as many allies as many teammates as possible,” he said. The Special Envoy could not say what exactly United States would expect from Germany militarily. He was not involved in military details.
The 72-year-old diplomat also said that he had wished for more German involvement in military action in past. “In last 40 years I cannot imagine a case where I would not have been pleased to have Germans with us. No matter what conflict, “he said. “That’s my personal opinion, but I’m assuming everyone would say that to us.”
UN warn against attacks on hospitals
Meanwhile, United Nations has sent to Russia, United States and Turkey GPS data of 235 schools, hospitals and or civilian facilities in Idlib region. “We share coordinates so re is no doubt that a hospital is a hospital,” said PanosMoumtzis, UN Regional coordinator. “We want civilians to be no target, Krankenhäusernicht be bombarded, people will not be expelled.”
According to UN data, up to three million people in province of Idlib, including many refugees from or regions, such as Aleppo or Ostghuta, but also thousands of insurgents to whom attacks apply. Last week, Russian Air Force had already flown attacks. According to UN data, four hospitals in Hama and Idlib were taken.
