Haley: Chemical attack could happen in US 'if we're not smart'

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki HaleyNimrata (Nikki) HaleyOn The Money: Economy adds 157K jobs in July, below expectations | China threatens tariffs on billion in US goods | Mexico says toughest NAFTA issues remain unresolved Overnight Defense: Pompeo sees 'ways to go' before North Korea gives up nukes | Ex-astronaut slams Trump space force | Veteran's wife who faced deportation leaves for Mexico Nikki Haley accuses Russia of violating sanctions with North Korean work permits MORE defended U.S. strikes on Syria following a suspected chemical attack in the country, saying on Sunday that a similar attack could happen in the U.S. if precautions are not taken. 

“This very easily could happen in the United States if we're not smart, and if we're not conscious of what's happening," Haley told Chris Wallace  on "Fox News Sunday."

“We have to be very conscious of the fact that we cannot allow even the smallest use of chemical weapons. That's why you saw the president strike this past weekend, that's why you saw him expel 60 Russian spies after the attack in Salisbury," she said, referring to the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter with a nerve agent on British soil last month. 

Haley's comments come days after the U.S., in partnership with France and the U.K., launched over 100 missiles at three targets in Syria.

The attack was aimed at taking out Syria's chemical weapons facilities, though the strikes were limited and reports have already suggested they may have had a minimal impact on Syria's capability.

President TrumpDonald John TrumpKobach agrees to recuse himself from vote counting in Kansas GOP primary NFL players kneel during national anthem before first preseason game Schiff blasts GOP for Russia probe conduct: 'That's how you obstruct an investigation, not how you conduct one' MORE declared "mission accomplished" on the strikes, however, and the administration has touted them as having limited Syria's capabilities. 

“We put a heavy blow into their chemical weapons program, setting them back years," Haley told Wallace. 

“Hopefully he’s gotten the message, it was a pretty strong message," she said. 

The strike came nearly a week after an apparent chemical attack took the lives of dozens of Syrian civilians in the rebel-held city of Douma. 

Syrian President Bashar Assad has denied responsibility for the attack, but the White House said the administration has "high confidence" that Damascus was behind the attack.