(Image source from: US arms up against Syria})

Post Syria's chemical attack, the US army has opened a fleet of  "options" for Mr Obama, in case the President decides to launch an attack on the Damascus regime, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said. However, he remained tight-lipped on the positioning of US troops and assets.

"The Defence Department has a responsibility to provide the president with options for all contingencies," Mr Hagel said.

US media had reported that warships had been sent to Syria for possible cruise missile attacks or other action, but Mr Hagel chose to stay hush-hush on this.

"The president has asked the Defence Department for options. Like always, the Defence Department is prepared and has been prepared to provide all options for all contingencies to the president of the United States," he said.

"And that requires positioning our forces, positioning our assets, to be able to carry out different options – whatever options the president might choose."

He also did not comment on a report from CBS News that the Pentagon was making "initial preparations" for a cruise missile attack.

AW: Suchorita Dutta