US strike against Syria 'as early as Thursday'

August 27, 2013 20:04

NBC News reports: Missile strikes against Syria could be launched 'as early as Thursday', senior US officials have said as the White House intensified efforts for an international response to a suspected chemical weapons attack that killed hundreds in a Damascus suburb last week.

The "three-day" strikes would be limited in scope, and aimed at sending a message to the regime of Syria President Bashar Assad, US officials said.

News on the possible timescale for military action followed another round of telephone diplomacy by President Barack Obama, who held discussions with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and French President Francois Hollande on Monday.

Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, meanwhile, told the BBC the US military is "ready to go" if Obama orders action.

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