The U.S. appeared poised Wednesday to take action, likely a sea-based missile strike, against the Syrian government for alleged use of chemical weapons, even without the backing of allies or the United Nations. Defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said military commanders were ready to execute the attack but were awaiting orders from the White House. The strike could be carried out exclusively by four destroyers based in the eastern Mediterranean, they said.
U.S. may attack Syria without U.N. approval
