White House Says There is No Evidence of Rebels Using Chemical Weapons in Syria

Both sides in the conflict had earlier accused each other of using the weapons

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says it has no evidence to back up Bashar Assad's claim that Syrian rebels have used chemical weapons.

White House spokesman Jay Carney says the U.S. is looking carefully at allegations that both sides are using chemical weapons. But he says he's skeptical of any claims made by the Syrian regime.

Carney says it's a serious concern for the U.S. that the Assad regime could use such weapons. He says President Barack Obama believes that would be unacceptable and that there would be consequences.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

The Obama administration is rejecting the claim by Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime that the U.S.-backed Syrian rebels used chemical weapons Tuesday, an official said.