Trump's cabinet meet to discuss options for US response on Syria; Decision likely in 24 to 48 hours

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he will make the decision about the US response to the suspected chemical attack in Syria’s Douma in 24 to 48 hours.

"It was an atrocious attack, it was horrible," the president said. Tass quoted him as saying, "We will be making some major decisions over the next 24 to 48 hours."

President Trump in his tweet condemns the heinous attack on innocent Syrians with banned chemical weapons.

.@POTUS Trump condemns the heinous attack on innocent Syrians with banned chemical weapons. #Syria pic.twitter.com/qiEahlL3Ah

— Department of State (@StateDept) April 9, 2018

Vice President Mike Pence tweeted the picture of the meeting held to discuss the options for U.S. response on Syria.

Met to discuss options for U.S response on Syria, attended Cabinet meeting, reviewed efforts to combat opioid epidemic, now off to Capitol to swear in a new Senator and dinner tonight w/ @POTUS & our great military leaders...very busy Monday! pic.twitter.com/WGrHnuNc6F

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) April 9, 2018

In the State Department's tweet, Press Secretary, Ms Sarah Sanders said the chemical weapons attack by the Syrian regime against innocent civilians is horrifying. The images, especially of suffering children, have shocked the conscience of the entire civilized world. As @POTUS clearly stated, there will be a price to pay. 

.@PressSec: The chemical weapons attack by the Syrian regime against innocent civilians is horrifying. The images, especially of suffering children, have shocked the conscience of the entire civilized world. As @POTUS clearly stated, there will be a price to pay. #Syria pic.twitter.com/S7Mkh6m3zp

— Department of State (@StateDept) April 9, 2018

On April 7, a number of NGOs, including the White Helmets, alleged that chemical weapons were used in Douma, Eastern Ghouta. According to the statement published on the organization’s website on April 8, chlorine bombs had been dropped on the city, killing dozens and poisoning many locals who had to be brought to the hospital.

On Sunday, the Russian Foreign Ministry rejected as fake news Saturday’s reports on an alleged chemical attack carried out by the Syrian government forces in Douma near Damascus. Allegations about the use of chemical agents by the Syrian government forces are aimed at justifying external military strikes, the ministry said.