The United States warned Damascus Tuesday it will respond "swiftly and appropriately" if it uses chemical weapons against its people.

 

The warning came amid signs that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was preparing an offensive in Idlib province that the United Nations has said poses the threat of a humanitarian disaster.

 

"Let us be clear, it remains our firm stance that if President Bashar al-Assad chooses to again use chemical weapons, the United States and its allies will respond swiftly and appropriately," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.