'Assad forces carried out chemical attacks'

French intelligence reports indicated Monday that the chemical attack of Aug 21 in Damascus was conducted by the Syrian government forces.

The nine-page intelligence report, declassified by the French government, said since April this year at least three chemical attacks in Syria were staged by the forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Xinhua reported.

The report was unveiled by French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault during a meeting with lawmakers, defence and foreign ministers, intelligence and security officials to discuss situation in Syria.

The report said: "At least 281 people were killed in the chemical attack of Aug 21."

Ayrault reaffirmed France's determination to "penalise the use of chemical weapons by al-Assad's regime and to dissuade with a forceful and firm response", adding that the French president is continuing his work of persuasion to "bring together a coalition without delay".

The Syrian government has strongly denied the alleged chemical attacks. During an interview with French daily paper Le Figaro, al-Assad Monday warned of "regional war" if Western powers launch a military intervention.