Israeli jets have attacked a Syrian military air base following an alleged chemical attack in a rebel held suburb of Damascus.
The strike had the potential to cause a direct confrontation between the U.S and Russia. U.S President Trump had warned that there would be consequences for the chemical attack while Russia had threatened the “gravest consequences” for any U.S attack the Syrian regime and military.
Initially it was unclear who had launched the attack and tensions simmered after it was revealed that it was Israel.
Meanwhile the Russian military has said that there is no trace of any chemical weapons usage in the area.
Many commentators have pointed out that it would be nonsensical for Assad to order a chemical attack as the Syrian army and their Russian allies are on the verge of another major victory. A chemical attack makes no military sense and would only serve to invite an attack from the U.S led coalition.