Dow Futures dropped on Wednesday after US president Donald Trump warned Russia of 'nice, new and smart' missiles coming Syria's way.

Around 7:20 a.m. ET, Dow Jones industrial average futures fell 251 points, indicating a drop of 276 points at the open. Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 futures also indicated a negative start to Wednesday's session for their respective markets, CNBC said in a report.

Trump tweeted, "Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!'"

Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018

The tweet exchange between Trump and Russia was a result of an alleged chemical attack by the Bashar Assad's Syrian government against its citizen. Syria denied the accusation.

Trump has suggested that he has little doubt that Syrian government forces are to blame for what he says was a chemical attack, but neither he nor other administration officials have produced hard evidence.

Russian lawmakers have warned the US that Moscow would view an airstrike on Syria as a war crime, saying it could trigger a direct military clash.

Trump didn't mention whether he was referring to a US military strike. But he has threatened military action in response to Syria's suspected chemical attack, which activists and rescuers say killed at least 40 people. The Syrian government and its ally Russia have denied that such an attack ever happened.

Trump administration discussed a possible join military attack on Syria with France and Britain.

US officials told The Associated Press that the allies have weighed launching a military strike as early as the end of this week.

In the past Trump has vowed to stand up to Syrian President Assad.

(Developing story

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First Published:Apr 11, 2018 5:01 PM IST