Syria could face a major crisis in the event of another chemical attack as it may justify US-led military intervention in the country, a former Foreign Office official has warned. Peter Ford, the UK’s former ambassador to Syria, said a situation similar to the alleged chemical attack in Douma in April could spark a widespread military operation against the Syrian regime and Bashar al-Assad’s army.

Speaking to RT, Mr Ford said: “The real potential flashpoint is a return to a Douma-like situation. “Remember in April, we were close to World War 3. We were talking in those terms. “It’s perfectly foreseeable that the same conditions will be produced, and I believe there will be another fake chemical attack, which will trigger a really dangerous crisis.” US-led airstrikes in Syria following the April attack were carried out before formal investigations were conducted to determine whether chemical weapons were used. CONTINUE