Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois said Wednesday the U.S. and international community must deliver targeted strikes against Syrian President Bashar Assad to force a diplomatic solution to the country’s horrific civil war.

Mr. Kinzinger, a Republican, accused the Syrian regime of violating a basic norm by using poisonous gas on its own people, citing the recent attack in Idlib province that killed dozens, including children.

He said limited airstrikes could “decapitate” Mr. Assad from his own forces and ground its air force. If the Syrians repair their military runways, he said, they should crater them again.

“I’m ashamed of our government action so far — and inaction,” Mr. Kinzinger told CNN.

He said the strikes would spur the international community and regime to end the long-running conflict.

“There’s been no stick or motivation to get to a diplomatic solution,” he said.

Mr. Kinzinger said he hopes the Trump administration will speak out and take a stronger hand in the pushback against the Syrian regime, which is backed by Russia and Iran.

He also said Mr. Assad must go.

“I don’t think there’s a future for Syria with Bashar al Assad in existence,” he told CNN.

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