DHAKA: With debate raging over the proper response to president Bashar Assad’s purported use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians near Damascus 10 days ago, a US-led assault on Syria is just hours away.

Arab media sources said over the weekend, reports The Jerusalem Post.

According to Israel Radio, the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Qabas quoted diplomatic sources in the Gulf on Saturday as saying that Washington will launch strikes against Syria from a number of bases, including those in Turkey and Cyprus.

Another Kuwaiti daily, Al-Rai, cites sources as indicating that Assad has instructed his armed forces to use all means necessary, including chemical arms, if and when his country comes under attack.

The news item was posted on Israel Radio’s website and first reported by its Arab language correspondent.

BDST: 1641 HRS, AUG 31, 2013
RoR/RIS