Syrian government dismiss US claims on chemical weapons as 'lies'

President Barack Obama has decided to authorise lethal aid to Syrian rebels but US officials are still grappling with what type and how much weaponry to send the opposition forces and how to ensure it stays out of the hands of extremists battling for control of Syria.

The White House announced it had conclusive evidence that Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime used chemical weapons against opposition forces. Mr Obama has said the use of chemical weapons would cross a “red line,” suggesting greater American intervention.