U.S. defence chief hints at asset positioning ahead of Syria decision

U.S. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel strongly suggested on Friday the United States was positioning naval forces and assets in anticipation of any decision by President Barack Obama to order military action on Syria after apparent chemical weapons use.

"The Defence Department has responsibility to provide the president with options for all contingencies," Hagel told reporters travelling with him to Malaysia. "And that requires positioning our forces, positioning our assets to be able to carry out different options - whatever options the president might choose."