President Obama said on Monday that the use or movement of chemical weapons in Syria would be a “red line” that would change his approach to the conflict there.
“I have at this point not ordered military engagement in the situation, but the point that you made about chemical and biological weapons is critical,” Obama said in response to a question.
“We cannot have a situation where chemical or biological weapons are falling into the hands of the wrong people,” he added.
Obama reiterated his calls for Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad to step down, and noted the importance of continuing to provide humanitarian assistance and preventing a refugee crisis in the region.
“We have communicated in no uncertain terms with every player in the region that that's a red line for us, and that there would be enormous consequences if we start seeing movement on the chemical weapons front, or the use of chemical weapons,” Obama said.
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