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Intelligence on Syrian Troops Readying Chemical Weapons for Use Prompted Obama's Warning
(Washington Post) Joby Warrick - Western intelligence agencies observed Syrian units making advanced preparations for the potential use of chemical weapons, including loading trucks with ready-to-use bombs and shells, prompting President Obama last week to warn Syria against using the banned munitions, according to Western and Middle Eastern officials. Soldiers at one Syrian base were monitored mixing precursors for chemical weapons and taking other steps to ready the lethal munitions for battlefield use, which include nerve gas and other poisons. Surveillance photos confirmed that at least one army unit began loading special military vehicles that transport bombs and artillery shells carrying chemical warheads. The moves followed specific orders to elite troops to begin preparations for the use of the weapons against advancing rebel fighters.