French intelligence says chemical attack in Syria done by Assad forces

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PARIS, Sept. 2 -- French intelligence reports indicated that the chemical attack of Aug. 21 in Damascus was conducted by the Syrian government forces.

The nine-page intelligence report, declassified by the French government on Monday, said since April this year, at least three chemical attacks including the one on Aug. 21 taking place in Syria, were staged by the forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The report was unveiled by French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault during a meeting with lawmakers, defense and foreign ministers, intelligence and security officials to discuss situations in Syria.

The report said "at least 281" people were killed in the chemical attack of Aug. 21.

Ayrault reaffirmed France's determination to "penalize the use of chemical weapons by al-Assad's regime and to dissuade with a forceful and firm response," adding that the French president is continuing his work of persuasion to "bring together a coalition without delay".

The Syrian government has strongly denied the alleged chemical attacks. During an interview with French daily paper Le Figaro, al-Assad on Monday warned of "regional war" if Western powers launch a military intervention.

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