Syria has said an earlier foreign ministry statement that it would use chemical weapons against foreign forces was "misconstrued and taken out of context". Britain had earlier said the threat from Damascus is "unacceptable"
President Assad's forces have been stretched further today as the government move to reinforce their hold in Damascus against the Syrian rebel opposition.
Rebels gained control of key border posts into Iraq, say Iraqi officials, threatening to open up access for weaponry supplies. But troops have managed to retake crossings on the Turkish border, a reminder that Syrian armed forces have weapons that the activists cannot match.
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.