Mattis: military policy unchanged in Syria

washington - US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis Tuesday said that has not changed the US military policy in Syria. The goal remains after the missile attack on a Syrian air base defeating the terrorist organization Islamic State. ' Our military effort is aimed at breaking IS on destroying IS in Syria, '' said Mattis during a press conference at the Pentagon.

He added that there can be no doubt that the Syrian government is responsible for zenuwgasaanval last week. In the past, the army of Assad several times already used chemical weapons. Mattis warned that if Syria continues to be done before that will pay heavily for chemical warfare is forbidden.

Mattis said he did not know if the Russians were aware, but assumes that Assad now regrets his act now 20 percent of its operational combat aircraft is destroyed or damaged. In addition, fuel and ammunition depots have become decreased by US cruise missiles and air defense capabilities.

' The Syrian government has the ability to refuel aircraft or rearm lost at the airport Shayrat. Currently can not use the runways, '' said Mattis. ' The Syrian government would be very rash to ever use chemical weapons. ''