“The Syrian regime’s butchery is enabled by Russia and Iran,” Trump

President Donald Trump has criticized Russia for its actions in Syria, saying it has “enabled” the regime’s “butchery” of civilians.

Trump raised the issue of chemical and biological weapons as he chaired a U.N. Security Council meeting during the General Assembly’s session. He reiterated accusations that President Bashar al-Assad’s government has repeatedly used such weapons against civilians during the seven-year conflict in Syria. “We must never forget the risk posed by biological and chemical weapons,” Trump said, urging international action to address the threat, according to Voice of America. He then cited Russia and Iran. “The Syrian regime’s butchery is enabled by Russia and Iran,” the president said.

Trump also reminded the council that he has taken action in the wake of reported chemical attacks. Thus far, he has ordered two strikes on Syrian government targets since taking office. The first targeted a military airfield in April 2017, while the second struck three chemical weapons facilities in April of this year.

While Trump criticized Russia and Iran during the Security Council meeting, he also expressed appreciation for the “restraint” both nations have shown in Syria’s Idlib province. “I want to thank Iran, Russia and Syria for, at my very strong urging and request, substantially slowing down their attack on Idlib province and the 3 million people who live there in order to get 35,000 targeted terrorists,” the president said. He then told the three countries to “get the terrorists” but added, “I hope the restraint continues. The world is watching.”