The Arab League issued a statement blaming the Assad regime for the Aug. 21 chemical attack in Damascus and calling for international trials for the perpetrators. In the face of mounting Western condemnation of the regime for the attack, Foreign Minister Mouallem demanded proof of the allegation, and said Syria would strike back if attacked. A coalition of Islamist groups led by the Al Nusrah Front and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is advancing on Alawite villages in Latakia. Rebel fighters reportedly killed the commander of the Aleppo city NDF along with over 50 soldiers in clashes in Aleppo province. The ISIL said it and allied rebel groups would take revenge for the Aug. 21 attack in Damascus.
