Mattis cancels weekend travel plans as Syria response looms

WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has canceled weekend travel plans, a US official said Tuesday, as the Pentagon works with the White House on a response to a suspected chemical attack in Syria.

The change of plans comes as US President Donald Trump shelved his first trip to Latin America, scheduled for later this week, saying he wants to "oversee the American response to Syria."

Mattis was supposed to visit California and Nevada, the official added without giving further details.

Trump has vowed to respond "forcefully" to the alleged chemical attack in Douma, where rescuers and medics say more than 40 people died after the suspected poison gas attack in the last rebel-held pocket of the one-time opposition stronghold of Eastern Ghouta.