U.S. sanctions Syrian research employees over developing 'chemical weapons'

The United States has declared to pursue anyone connected to the use of chemical weapons in Syria and also threatened to shut down their financial networks.

"We take Syria's disregard for innocent human life very seriously, and will relentlessly pursue and shut down the financial networks of all individuals involved with the production of chemical weapons used to commit these atrocities," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said commenting on the move.

Mnuchin further stated that the United States was sending a strong message to the Syrian government and President Bashar Assad over the April 4 reported chemical weapons attack on civilians in Khan Sheikhoun, for which the United States has blamed Damascus despite lack of proof, reports Sputnik.

"Today's action, less than three weeks after the attack on Khan Sheikhoun is one of the largest ever executed by OFAC. In a single action we are more than doubling the number of individuals and entities sanctioned since the start of the Syrian conflict pursuant to Syria-related executive orders," Mnuchin stated.

Mnuchin further added the United States will strongly pursue and shutdown financial networks of anyone involved in Syria's alleged use and production of chemical weapons.

On April 4, the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces had claimed that 80 people were killed and 200 injured in a suspected chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun, blaming the Syrian government.

However, Damascus rejected the accusations and said militants and their allies were responsible.

Early April 7, the United States launched 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at the Syrian military airfield.

US President Donald Trump said the attack was a response to the alleged chemical weapon use in Syria's Idlib.