French Intelligence: Assad Regime Behind Chemical Attacks

PARIS (TheBlaze/AP) -- A French intelligence estimate alleges that the Syrian regime launched an attack Aug. 21 involving "massive use of chemical agents" and could carry out other strikes of a similar nature in the future.

French President Francois Hollande and President Barack Obama. (Getty Images)

The intelligence collected by French officials includes satellite imagery showing “the attacks coming from government-controlled areas to the east and west of Damascus and targeting rebel-held zones,” The Daily Star reports.

A Reuters source adds that Assad's forces have since destroyed said areas in an attempt to cover up the evidence.

"Unlike previous attacks that used small amounts of chemicals and were aimed at terrorizing people, this attack was tactical and aimed at regaining territory," the Reuters source said.

The government published a 9-page synopsis Monday about Syria's chemical weapons program that found that at least 281 deaths could be attributed to the attack in areas outside Damascus. The analysis based that count in part from dozens of videos culled by French intelligence services.

President Francois Hollande has backed a call from President Barack Obama for a military strike against Syrian President Bashar Assad's government in retaliation for the attack.

Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault hosted lawmakers, his defense and foreign ministers, and intelligence and security officials Monday to discuss Syria.

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Featured image AP.

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