Assad warns of retaliation for U.S. attack on Syria

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has warned if U.S. President Barack Obama decides to launch military strikes on Syria, the United States and its allies should "expect every action" in retaliation.

"You should expect everything. Not necessarily from the government," Assad said in an interview with CBS "This Morning" aired on Monday, warning his government is "not the only player in this region."

Assad gave his first television interview as Obama has been seekingcongressional approval for a limited military action against Syria to punish the alleged use of chemical weapons outside Damascus on Aug. 21, an accusation denied by the Syrian government.

"You have different parties, you have different factions, you have different ideology. You have everything in this region now," said Assad. "If you strike somewhere, you have to expect the repercussions somewhere else."

U.S. media believed Assad was referring to his allies in Iran and the Hezbollah.

Asked whether any retaliation for U.S. strikes could include the use of chemical weapons, Assad said it would depend "if the rebels or the terrorists in this region or any other group have it. It could happen, I don't know. I am not fortune teller."