The White House has attributed the major attack in Syria to the Assad regime's refusal to engage in a political process and its reliance on Russia and Iran, according to an official statement. The US has been monitoring the attack led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terrorists. Russia's Defense Ministry stated that its Air Force had carried out strikes on Syrian rebels in support of the country's army. The US has called for de-escalation, protection of civilians, and a political process to end the civil war.