Newspaper: US Defense Minister refused to hit Syria during the past two days to avoid confrontation with Russia

Newspaper: US Defense Minister refused to hit Syria during the past two days to avoid confrontation with Russia

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - US Defense Secretary James Matisse has refused to strike Syria in the past two days, when two opportunities for doing so were available, fearing a direct confrontation with Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported.

According to a source at the White House, US President Donald Trump wants a large-scale military offensive in Syria, which will at the same time hurt Russia and Iran in some way, while recommending the Pentagon to act cautiously.

"Trump calls on his military advisers to agree to a firmer response to Syria than they consider reasonable," the source was quoted as saying.

The newspaper said that Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the military options proposed by the advisers so far to be considered "limited."

During his meetings with Defense Minister Matisse, Trump expressed his support for an attack that would allow revenge on the Syrian government for the alleged chemical attack in Duma and make Russia and Iran "pay the price of supporting the Syrian regime" at the same time.

Matisse opposed this scenario, citing Trump's lack of a broader strategy on Syria and warning him that possible military strikes on Syria could cause a serious confrontation with Russia and Iran.

Source: TASS