Erdogan urges Trump to take action against Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on US President Donald Trump to back up his harsh words against Syria with actions, following the deadly chemical attack this week that left scores of people, including children dead. 

An analysis of victims being treated in Turkey following the attack in Idlib suggests they were exposed to the deadly nerve agent sarin, the country's health ministry said on Thursday.

At least 86 people were killed early on Tuesday in rebel-held Khan Sheikhun, and dozens more treated for convulsions, breathing problems and foaming at the mouth.

"Trump said it was impossible to close your eyes against the Assad regime's hateful actions. Thank you, but don't limit yourself to comments, we need action," Erdogan told Turkey's Kanal 7 television.

"If it truly is a matter of actions, then Turkey is ready to take its responsibilities. We will not back down," he said.

Meanwhile, Trump has denounced Assad responsible for the "terrible," "egregious" crime, suggesting the United States could be poised to take action over this week's suspected chemical attack.

"What Assad did is terrible. What happened in Syria is truly one of the egregious crimes," Trump said on Thursday while travelling to Florida on board Air Force One.

"I think what happened in Syria is a disgrace to humanity, and he's there, and I guess he's running things, so I guess something should happen."

He also warned that Assad's regime had crossed a line, calling the strike an "affront to humanity".

The comments come as the Pentagon presents a range of possible military options the United States could take in response to the attack.

Options include strikes to ground the Syrian air force, an official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis is presenting the options to President Donald Trump and administration officials in response to White House requests, the official added.

Former US president Barack Obama had also warned Syria that chemical attacks in the country's civil war would cross a "red line", but later refrained from taking military action against the regime.

Agencies contributed to this report