Hagel Says the US is Ready To Launch Strikes on Syria

Necessary military preparations have been made, Obama's order is now all that is needed

American forces are "ready" to launch strikes on Syria if President Barack Obama chooses to order an attack, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel says.

"We have moved assets in place to be able to fulfil and comply with whatever option the president wishes to take," Mr Hagel told the BBC.

US Secretary of State John Kerry has said there was "undeniable" proof that Syria had used chemical weapons.

The UK is also preparing contingency plans for military action in Syria.