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Coordinates: 34°30′02″N 36°53′57″E / 34.50056°N 36.89917°E / 34.50056; 36.89917
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The United States notified a number of countries, including Australia and [[Russia]], hours in advance of the strike.<ref name="ausfr-1">{{cite web|last1=Tingle|first1=Laura|title=Australia briefed beforehand on US strike|url=http://www.afr.com/news/policy/foreign-affairs/australia-briefed-beforehand-on-us-missile-strike-on-syria-20170407-gvfvi8|website=The Australian Financial Review|accessdate=7 April 2017|date=7 April 2017}}</ref><ref name="aljazeera-1">{{cite web|author1="Al Jazeera and news agencies"|title=US launches cruise missiles at Syrian air base|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/us-missiles-syria-170407013424492.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=7 April 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407030002/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/us-missiles-syria-170407013424492.html|archivedate=7 April 2017|date=7 April 2017}}</ref><ref name="economictimes-1">{{cite web|author1=AFP|title=UN divided over Syria gas attack probe as US launches missile strike|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/un-divided-over-syria-gas-attack-probe-as-us-launches-missile-strike/articleshow/58058642.cms|website=The Economic Times|accessdate=7 April 2017|archiveurl=http://archive.is/Eji2g|archivedate=7 April 2017|date=7 April 2017}}</ref> There were thought to be Russians at the airbase.<ref name="cnn-1"/> The [[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]] said the strike killed four soldiers, including a general, and damaged over a dozen hangars, a fuel depot, and an air defense base.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/nation-world/article143257599.html|title=The Latest: Group says at least 4 killed in US Syria attack|work=Idaho Statesman|access-date=7 April 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-observatory-idUKKBN1790IO?il=0|title=Syrian monitor says airbase almost destroyed in strike|publisher=Reuters UK|access-date=7 April 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref>
The United States notified a number of countries, including Australia and [[Russia]], hours in advance of the strike.<ref name="ausfr-1">{{cite web|last1=Tingle|first1=Laura|title=Australia briefed beforehand on US strike|url=http://www.afr.com/news/policy/foreign-affairs/australia-briefed-beforehand-on-us-missile-strike-on-syria-20170407-gvfvi8|website=The Australian Financial Review|accessdate=7 April 2017|date=7 April 2017}}</ref><ref name="aljazeera-1">{{cite web|author1="Al Jazeera and news agencies"|title=US launches cruise missiles at Syrian air base|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/us-missiles-syria-170407013424492.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=7 April 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407030002/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/us-missiles-syria-170407013424492.html|archivedate=7 April 2017|date=7 April 2017}}</ref><ref name="economictimes-1">{{cite web|author1=AFP|title=UN divided over Syria gas attack probe as US launches missile strike|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/un-divided-over-syria-gas-attack-probe-as-us-launches-missile-strike/articleshow/58058642.cms|website=The Economic Times|accessdate=7 April 2017|archiveurl=http://archive.is/Eji2g|archivedate=7 April 2017|date=7 April 2017}}</ref> There were thought to be Russians at the airbase.<ref name="cnn-1"/> The [[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]] said the strike killed four soldiers, including a general, and damaged over a dozen hangars, a fuel depot, and an air defense base.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/nation-world/article143257599.html|title=The Latest: Group says at least 4 killed in US Syria attack|work=Idaho Statesman|access-date=7 April 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-observatory-idUKKBN1790IO?il=0|title=Syrian monitor says airbase almost destroyed in strike|publisher=Reuters UK|access-date=7 April 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref>


It was the first time during [[Presidency of Donald Trump|his presidency]] President Trump had ordered the military to use force, and the first time during the Syrian Civil War that the White House had ordered military action against forces loyal to [[Bashar al-Assad]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/world/2017/04/06/us-launches-missile-strike-syria|title=Trump calls on 'all civilized nations' to end carnage in Syria after launching missile strike|last=|first=|date=|website=Dallas News|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>
It was the first time during [[presidency of Donald Trump]] that the White House had ordered military action against forces loyal to [[Bashar al-Assad]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/world/2017/04/06/us-launches-missile-strike-syria|title=Trump calls on 'all civilized nations' to end carnage in Syria after launching missile strike|last=|first=|date=|website=Dallas News|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==

Revision as of 16:33, 7 April 2017

2017 Shayrat missile strike
Part of the Syrian Civil War and the American-led intervention in Syria
USS Ross firing a Tomahawk missile towards the Shayrat Air Base
Operational scopeSingle-site targeted military strike
Location
Shayrat Air Base, Shayrat, Homs Governorate, Syria

34°30′02″N 36°53′57″E / 34.50056°N 36.89917°E / 34.50056; 36.89917
TargetShayrat Air Base
Date7 April 2017 (2017-04-07)
04:40 EEST (UTC+03:00)
Executed by United States Navy
Casualties16 killed (7 soldiers)[1]
Shayrat Air Base is located in Syria
Shayrat Air Base
Shayrat Air Base
Location of Shayrat in Syria

On the morning of 7 April 2017, during the Syrian Civil War, the United States launched 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the Mediterranean Sea into Syria, aimed at Shayrat Air Base.[3][4][5] According to Russia's Ministry of Defence, 23 hit their target, but it did not know the outcome of the remaining 36. The strike was ordered by US President Donald Trump as a direct response to the Khan Shaykhun chemical attack on 4 April 2017.[4][6] The strike became the first targeted attack by the United States military on the Ba'athist Syrian government forces during the war.[6][7]

Attack

USS Ross
USS Porter
Missiles being launched from the USS Porter

On the evening of 6 April, under the War Powers Resolution, Trump notified the U.S. Congress of his plan on the missile strike.[8] According to a White House official, over 24 members of the Congress were briefed at the time.[8]

The strike targeted Shayrat Air Base in the Homs Governorate, which is believed to be the base for the aircraft that carried out the chemical attack on 4 April,[6] and was intended to destroy air defenses, aircraft, hangars and fuel.[2][6] The New York Times, citing a U.S. military source, said that 59 Tomahawk missiles had been launched from two U.S. Navy warships, USS Ross and USS Porter, at around 20:40 EDT (04:40 local time).[2][6] According to Russia's defense ministry, 23 hit the base, and it did not know where the other 36 landed.[9][10] The U.S. Central Command stated in a press release that Tomahawk missiles hit "aircraft, hardened aircraft shelters, petroleum and logistical storage, ammunition supply bunkers, defense systems, and radars".[11] A Russian state TV reported that nine planes were destroyed by the strikes. All planes are thought to have been out of action at the time.[12]

The United States notified a number of countries, including Australia and Russia, hours in advance of the strike.[13][14][15] There were thought to be Russians at the airbase.[4] The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strike killed four soldiers, including a general, and damaged over a dozen hangars, a fuel depot, and an air defense base.[16][17]

It was the first time during presidency of Donald Trump that the White House had ordered military action against forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad.[18]

Aftermath

The price of oil briefly rose over 2% following the strike.[19] Russia suspended a protocol with the U.S. that aimed to prevent mid-air collisions over Syria.[20]

The Chinese yuan fell against the United States dollar hours after the strike.[21] The Japanese yen rose higher while the Australian and New Zealand dollars dropped against the United States dollar.[22]

According to the governor of Homs province, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) launched several attacks on strategic oil areas under control of the Syrian Arab Army in Eastern Homs hoping to capitalize on the absence of the Syrian Arab Air Force.[23][24] The ISIL assault was eventually repelled.[25]

Reactions

Syria

Syrian state media condemned the strike, calling it an "act of aggression" and claiming it caused unspecified losses.[26] Meanwhile, the Syrian Arab Army said that its response will be to continue to "crush terrorism" and restore "peace and security to all Syrians".[27]

The governor of Homs, Talal Barazi, said that the strike proves that the United States is supporting terrorism within Syria. Mr. Barazi told Syrian News Channel that "they are not surprised today to see the supporting parties interfering directly after the failure of terrorists in targeting Syria".[28]

The spokesperson for Syrian president Bashar al-Assad called the missile strikes "unjust and arrogant aggression" and an "outrageous act" and that the attack "does not change the deep policies" of the Syrian government.[29]

Najib Ghadbian, a representative of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, welcomed the strikes: "They are first good steps but we would like them to be part of a bigger strategy that would put an end to the mass killing, an end to impunity and eventually we hope that they will lead to a kind of a political transition [in Syria]."[30]

United States

Reactions from members of Congress were mixed and not uniform by political party.

Paul Ryan (R–WI), the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, said the strike was "appropriate and just." House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D–CA) said, "Tonight's strike in Syria appears to be a proportional response to the regime's use of chemical weapons." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–NY) said, "Making sure Assad knows that when he commits such despicable atrocities he will pay a price is the right thing to do." Senators John McCain (R–AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R–SC) said, "Unlike the previous administration, President Trump confronted a pivotal moment in Syria and took action. For that, he deserves the support of the American people." Senator Marco Rubio (R–FL) called it an "important decisive step."[31][32]

Other lawmakers criticized the President's actions. Senator Rand Paul (R–KY) tweeted, "While we all condemn the atrocities in Syria, the United States was not attacked." Representative Ted Lieu (D–CA) tweeted, "This was done with no debate in Congress and no explanation to the American people." Representative Seth Moulton (D–MA) tweeted, "So [President Trump] cares enough about the Syrian people to launch 50 Tomahawks but not enough to let the victims of Assad find refuge and freedom here." Senator Chris Coons (D–DE) said he was "gravely concerned that the United States is engaging further militarily in Syria without a well-thought-out, comprehensive plan." Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D–HI) said, "This escalation is short-sighted and will lead to more dead civilians, more refugees, the strengthening of al-Qaeda and other terrorists, and a possible nuclear war between the United States and Russia."[31][32]

International

The governments of Australia,[33] Bahrain,[34] Canada,[35] France,[36] Georgia,[37] Germany,[36] Israel,[38] Italy,[39] Japan,[40] Jordan,[41] Kuwait,[42] Lithuania,[43] Norway,[44] Poland,[45] Qatar[42] Romania,[46] Saudi Arabia,[47] Turkey,[48] Ukraine,[49] the United Arab Emirates,[50] and the United Kingdom[51] generally supported the strike, some calling it a just response and strong message against the use of chemical weapons. The Netherlands said it understood why the strike was carried out but that it is important to de-escalate the situation as soon as possible.[52] The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union have also expressed support to the airstrikes.[53]

External videos
video icon MoD to hold briefing after US strike in Syria – TAPE FEED on YouTube
video icon MoD release drone footage of Shayrat Airbase following US airstrike on YouTube

The government of Iran condemned the strike as a unilateral action that will strengthen terrorists and complicate the war.[51] Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the strike an illegal "act of aggression" based on a "trumped-up pretext" and an attempt to distract the world from civilian casualties in Iraq, which substantially impairs Russia–United States relations.[54] The Russian Foreign Ministry denounced the strike as being based on false intelligence and against international law, suspended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Prevention of Flight Safety Incidents that had been signed with the US, and called an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.[55] Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov compared the US airstrikes to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.[56] Russian Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev said that the US air strike on a Syrian air base came “within an inch” of militarily clashing with their forces.[57]

The Egyptian foreign ministry has called on the United States and Russia to “contain the conflict” and reach a comprehensive and final resolution to the 6-year civil war.[42][58]

Swedish Foreign Minister, Margot Wallström said the attack “raises questions about how this could be compatible with international law.”[59]

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that China had always been opposed to the use of force.[60]

See also

References

  1. ^ Syria Says Strike Kills 16, Damages Air Base
  2. ^ a b c Gordon, Michael R.; Cooper, Helene; Shear, Michael D. (6 April 2017). "Dozens of U.S. Missiles Hit Air Base in Syria". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  3. ^ "Statement from Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis on U.S. strike in S" (Press release). U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  4. ^ a b c Starr, Barbara; Diamond, Jeremy (6 April 2017). "Trump launches military strike against Syria". CNN. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  5. ^ "Syria war: US launches missile strikes following chemical 'attack'". BBC News. 7 April 2017. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  6. ^ a b c d e Lamothe, Dan; Ryan, Missy; Gibbons-Neff, Thomas (6 April 2017). "U.S. strikes Syrian military airfield in first direct assault on Bashar al-Assad's government". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  7. ^ ABC News staff (7 April 2017). "US warships launch cruise missile strike against Syrian airfield in retaliation for chemical attack". ABC News Australia. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  8. ^ a b "Can the President Attack Another Country Without Congress?". Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  9. ^ "Syria says several killed and wounded in U.S. airstrike on Syrian airfield", by Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Los Angeles Times
  10. ^ Konashenkov, Igor (7 April 2017). "MoD to hold briefing after US strike in Syria – TAPE FEED". RT. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  11. ^ "Statement from Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis on U.S. strike in Syria". U.S. Central Command. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  12. ^ "Nine Syrian planes destroyed by US strike on airfield". ITV News. 7 April 2017.
  13. ^ Tingle, Laura (7 April 2017). "Australia briefed beforehand on US strike". The Australian Financial Review. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  14. ^ "Al Jazeera and news agencies" (7 April 2017). "US launches cruise missiles at Syrian air base". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  15. ^ AFP (7 April 2017). "UN divided over Syria gas attack probe as US launches missile strike". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  16. ^ "The Latest: Group says at least 4 killed in US Syria attack". Idaho Statesman. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  17. ^ "Syrian monitor says airbase almost destroyed in strike". Reuters UK. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  18. ^ "Trump calls on 'all civilized nations' to end carnage in Syria after launching missile strike". Dallas News. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  19. ^ Sile, Aza Wee; Ming, Cheang (7 April 2017). "Oil jumps, dollar slightly weaker as US fires dozens of missiles at targets in Syria". CNBC. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  20. ^ "Syria: Here's what you need to know about Trump's strike on air base".
  21. ^ "China's yuan slips after U.S. strike on Syria, Trump-Xi meet in focus". Reuters. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  22. ^ "Dollar eases against the yen after US missile strike in Syria". CNBC. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  23. ^ ISIS used US missile strike to launch new offensive near Palmyra, Homs governor tells RT. RT. 2017-04-07.
  24. ^ ISIL takes advantage of US attack on government to storm western Palmyra. AMN. 7 April 2017
  25. ^ ISIL takes advantage of US attack on government to storm western Palmyra
  26. ^ "US 'aggression' causes losses: Syrian state media". World Bulletin. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  27. ^ "Donald Trump's Syrian airstrike 'significant blow to US-Russia relations', says Kremlin". The Guardian. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  28. ^ "Homs governor: Strike clear sign US backs 'terrorists'". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  29. ^ "Syria's Assad Calls U.S. Airstrikes an Outrageous Act". U.S. News and World Report. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  30. ^ "Syrian National Coalition hails US strike on Homs base". Al Jazeera. 7 April 2017.
  31. ^ a b Fowler, Tara (6 April 2017). "Strike on Syria gets mixed reaction from lawmakers". ABC News. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  32. ^ a b Vavra, Shannon; Savitsky, Shane (7 April 2017). "Reactions to U.S. strikes in Syria". Axios. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  33. ^ "'Australian government strongly supports' Syria strike: Turnbull". SBS World News. 7 April 2017. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  34. ^ "Saudi Arabia, Bahrain voice support for US missile strike on Syria". Arab News. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  35. ^ "Canada supports 'limited and focused' U.S. military action against Syria, Trudeau says". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  36. ^ a b "Merkel, Hollande voice support for US strike against Assad". RTE.ie. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  37. ^ "Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  38. ^ "Netanyahu praises 'message of resolve' in US strike on Syria". Times of Israel. 27 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  39. ^ "Italy Says It Supports US Strikes on Syria". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  40. ^ "Japan supports U.S. missile strike in Syria". Japan Today. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  41. ^ "JORDAN SAYS U.S. STRIKE ON SYRIA WAS 'NECESSARY RESPONSE'". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  42. ^ a b c "Kuwait, GCC states including Qatar support US strikes". Kuwait News Agency. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  43. ^ "Grybauskaitė: Syrian, Russian leaders must know red lines". DELFI. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  44. ^ Dette mener Norge om Syria-angrep
  45. ^ "Poland Supports US Actions on Syria". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  46. ^ "PM Grindeanu: We condemn chemical weapons attack in Syria". Agerpress. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  47. ^ "Saudi Arabia Says Fully Supports US Military Strikes". Jerusalem Post. 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  48. ^ "'Turkey welcomes 'significant' US strikes on Syria base". Anadolu Agency. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  49. ^ "Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on Syria". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  50. ^ "UAE backs U.S. air strikes against Syrian regime". Emirates News Agency. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  51. ^ a b Packham, Colin (7 April 2017). "Iran condemns air strike in Syria; Britain, Australia give support". Sydney: Reuters. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  52. ^ "Koenders: begrip voor VS maar de-escalatie nu belangrijk". NOS. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  53. ^ "Syria war: World reaction to US missile attack". BBC. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  54. ^ Robinson, Julian. "Putin calls US strikes against Syria 'aggression against sovereign country'". TASS. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  55. ^ Russian Foreign Ministry statement on US military action in Syria on 7 April 2017
  56. ^ "TASS: Lavrov compares US strike in Syria to 2003 Iraq invasion". Focus News. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  57. ^ "Russia says US air strikes in Syria came 'within an inch' of military clash with their forces". The Independent. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  58. ^ "Egypt urges US, Russia to 'contain conflict' following Syria airstrikes". Ahram Online. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  59. ^ Aisch, Gregor. "Which Countries Support and Which Oppose the U.S. Missile Strikes in Syria". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  60. ^ Britain, China, Australia back U.S. military strike on Syria DNA. 7 April 2017.
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