(Ivan Sekretarev/AP)The Trump administration broadened its assault on Russia’s military involvement in Syria on Tuesday, offering new evidence that U.S. officials said showed that Moscow’s explanation for a deadly April 4 chemical attack was false. The mounting public criticism of Russia takes place as Tillerson touches down in Moscow for talks with senior Russian officials, possibly including Putin. The Assad regime is down to as few as 18,000 soldiers, according to some estimates. U.S. officials said the chemical weapons attack, launched against civilians in an area that has supported the rebels, was intended to help make up for those manpower deficiencies. He described the use of the weapons as falling within the natural “punch-counterpunch” battle for Hama and the Syrian regime airfield.

Source: Washington Post April 11, 2017 19:11 UTC