The missiles were launched from US Navy destroyers in the Mediterranean sea – the first use of Tomahawks by the US since November last year.
Trump said on Thursday he ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from which a deadly chemical attack was launched.
The 2,900lb Tomahawks were launched at 8:45 pm ET (1:45 am GMT), targeting the airfield's hangers, aircraft, runways, and fuel storage areas.
The strike means Trump has taken more action against despot Bashar al-Assad in his first 77 days than Barack Obama used in six years while the war raged on in the region.
GETTY
At least four Syrian soldiers are believed to have been killed in the targeted offensive, while the base itself was almost completely obliterated.
Speaking shortly after the strike President Trump said: ”It is in the vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons
“There can be no dispute that Syria used banned chemical weapons, violated its obligations under the chemical weapons convention and ignored the urging of the U.N. Security Council.”
“Tonight I call on all civilised nations in seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria."
GETTY
On Wednesday Mr Trump claimed his view of how to handle the Syrian crisis changed when he saw the impact of the "heinous" chemical attack on small children.
He said: “Yesterday's chemical attack, a chemical attack that was so horrific in Syria against innocent people, including women, small children and even beautiful little babies – their deaths were an affront to humanity.”
Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, both armed services committee members who have been sharply critical of Trump, praised the President’s decision on Thursday evening.
GETTY
PENTAGON
In a joint statement, they said: “We salute the skill and professionalism of the US armed forces who carried out tonight’s strikes in Syria.
“Acting on the orders of their commander-in-chief, they have sent an important message: the United States will no longer stand idly by as Assad, aided and abetted by Putin’s Russia, slaughters innocent Syrians with chemical weapons and barrel bombs.
It comes just moments after Russia warned the United States to avoid launching strikes against President Assad’s regime or they could face “consequences”.
GETTY
In response to a question on whether President Donald Trump may launch attacks in Syria, Russia’s deputy UN envoy Vladimir Safronkov said: “Think about negative consequences”.
He added: "We have to think about negative consequences, and all the responsibility if military action occurred will be on shoulders of those who initiated such doubtful and tragic enterprise."
Post a Comment