"I have spoken with the president. He's given me the authority to do what we need to do, consistent with his guidance. And, you know – if that becomes the case," Esper told journalists.

He refused to disclose any details of a possible military response, only saying that he was "not going to take any option off the table right now," and that the Pentagon was "focused" on the Iraq-based military groups that could be responsible for the attack.

A high-ranked US general earlier insisted that the Pentagon knew with a "high degree of certainty" who the perpetrators of the rocket strike were.

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