Syria's ruling party stays 'in session' over US threat

Syria's ruling Ba'ath party has decided to stay in a "permanent session" in light of growing threats of a possible US military strike in the country.

The decision was taken at a meeting Saturday between the ruling party and other Syrian parties, Xinhua cited state-run SANA news agency as saying.

A party official said all Syrian parties would stand up together in the face of a foreign attack.

The threats of strike followed an allegation by rebel groups that the Syrian government launched nerve gas attacks in the countryside of Damascus Aug 21. The US claims 1,429 people, including 426 children, were killed in the attack.

The Syrian government denies the accusation, saying it was meant to draw in military intervention in the country.