Syrian opposition claims troops led by al Assad's brother launched chemical attack

Syrian opposition activists have claimed that troops led by President Bashar al-Assad's brother, Maher al-Assad, were responsible for the suspected chemical weapons attack in Damascus.

Syrian activists have provided videos as evidence showing several men wearing red berets, which is part of the Republican Guard's uniform, at alleged launch sites of the chemical weapons, the Washington Times reports.

Maher commands the regime's Republican Guard, the Syrian Army's 4th Armored Division and special forces, which are tasked with protecting the regime, the report added.

According to the report, all three divisions are suspected to be involved in the chemical weapons attack in Ghouta in the east of Damascus on Aug. 21.

Another suspected chemical weapons site is located at Adra, which is home to senior Syrian military personnel, factories and a notorious prison, the report added.

Earlier today, the U.S. released an intelligence report confirming that the Assad regime used chemical weapons breaching the rules of war.

Meanwhile, Obama's administration is considering a limited military strike against the Assad regime over the use of chemical weapons.