Global Security Newswire

Any attempt by the Syrian government to employ or strategically field biological or chemical weapons would cross a "red line" that could lead the United States to change its posture on dealing with the Assad regime's attempt to remain in power, Reuters quoted President Obama as saying on Monday.

"A red line for us is (if) we see a whole bunch of chemical weapons moving around, or being utilized. That would change my calculus," Obama, who affirmed that he "at this point" had not directed the U.S. armed forces to become involved in the escalating Syrian conflict, said to reporters.

Syria is believed to hold hundreds of tons of chemical warfare materials that could be delivered by rockets, missiles and other munitions. The government in July suggested it was prepared to use biological or chemical weapons against foreign aggressors, but subsequently sought to walk back from confirming it held such armaments.