At least 239 are dead in fighting Monday across Syria , opposition activists say . President Obama issues a direct warning to Syrian President Bashar al - Assad . President Vladimir Putin 's spokesman , Dimitri Pesvok , said Monday . Syrian rebels are using chemical warfare weapons , says a government official . The Syrian Foreign Ministry denies plans to use such weapons .
At least 239 are dead in fighting Monday across Syria , opposition activists say . President Obama issues a direct warning to Syrian President Bashar al - Assad . Syrian rebels are using chemical warfare weapons , says a government official . The Syrian Foreign Ministry denies plans to use such weapons .