This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2017/apr/07/us-syria-response-donald-trump-assad-pentagon-live

The article has changed 37 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 15 Version 16
Second attack on Syrian town hit by chemical weapons reported after Trump strikes in Idlib – live Second attack on Syrian town hit by chemical weapons reported after Trump strikes in Idlib – live
(35 minutes later)
11.55am BST
11:55
11.42am BST
11:42
Russian military to strengthen Syrian air defences - AP
The Russian military says it will help Syria strengthen its air defences after the US strike on a Syrian air base, the Associated Press (AP) reports.
Russian defence ministry spokesman Maj Gen Igor Konashenkov said that a “complex of measures” to strengthen Syrian air defences will be done shortly to help “protect the most sensitive Syrian infrastructure facilities.”
Konashenkov said “the combat efficiency of the U.S. strike was very low,” adding that only 23 of the 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles reached the Shayrat air base in the province of Homs.
He said it destroyed six MiG-23 fighter jets of the Syrian air force which were under repairs, but didn’t damage other Syrian warplanes at the base.
Konashenkov added that the base’s runway also has been left undamaged.
11.32am BST11.32am BST
11:3211:32
The UN coordinator for humanitarian affairs says it has no sign that U.S. military strikes against a Syrian air base have had “any direct consequence” on overall aid operations in Syria, reports the Associated Press. The UN coordinator for humanitarian affairs says it has no sign that US military strikes against a Syrian airbase have had “any direct consequence” on overall aid operations in Syria, AP reports.
Jens Laerke of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said such violence “is not a new feature” of Syria’s war, and cited continued UN-led efforts to reach people in besieged and hard-to-reach areas of the country. Jens Laerke, of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said such violence “is not a new feature” of Syria’s war, and cited continued UN-led efforts to reach people in besieged and hard-to-reach areas of the country.
The United States launched cruise missile strikes against Shayart air base in Homs province following a chemical attack in a northern village that U.S. officials and others have blamed on President Bashar Assad’s forces. The US launched cruise missile strikes against Shayrat airbase in Homs province following a chemical attack in a northern village that US officials and others have blamed on Assad forces.
UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said Friday at a UN briefing that use of chemical weapons, if confirmed, would amount to a war crime. Ravina Shamdasani, the UN human rights office spokeswoman, said on Friday at a UN briefing that use of chemical weapons, if confirmed, would amount to a war crime.
Updated
at 11.38am BST
11.28am BST11.28am BST
11:2811:28
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad “bears full responsibility” for the U.S. airstrikes against an air base in Syria, Reuters reports. The Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, “bears full responsibility” for the US airstrikes against an airbase in Syria, Reuters reports.
“The Syrian regime bears the full responsibility for this development,” Stoltenberg said in a statement. Stoltenberg added: “Any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable, cannot go unanswered, and those responsible must be held accountable.” Stoltenberg was told by the US defense minister that strikes would go ahead.
“Any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable, cannot go unanswered, and those responsible must be held accountable,” said Stoltenberg, who was informed by the U.S. defence minister that strikes would go ahead. Updated
at 11.49am BST
11.20am BST11.20am BST
11:2011:20
US missile attack risks escalation in Syria - CorbynUS missile attack risks escalation in Syria - Corbyn
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour party, has broken his silence over the US missile strikes in Syria. He says:Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour party, has broken his silence over the US missile strikes in Syria. He says:
The US missile attack on a Syrian government airbase risks escalating the war in Syria still further.The US missile attack on a Syrian government airbase risks escalating the war in Syria still further.
Tuesday’s horrific chemical attack was a war crime which requires urgent independent UN investigation and those responsible must be held to account.Tuesday’s horrific chemical attack was a war crime which requires urgent independent UN investigation and those responsible must be held to account.
But unilateral military action without legal authorisation or independent verification risks intensifying a multi-sided conflict that has already killed hundreds of thousands of people.But unilateral military action without legal authorisation or independent verification risks intensifying a multi-sided conflict that has already killed hundreds of thousands of people.
What is needed instead is to urgently reconvene the Geneva peace talks and unrelenting international pressure for a negotiated settlement of the conflict.What is needed instead is to urgently reconvene the Geneva peace talks and unrelenting international pressure for a negotiated settlement of the conflict.
The terrible suffering of the Syrian people must be brought to an end as soon as possible and every intervention must be judged on what contribution it makes to that outcome.The terrible suffering of the Syrian people must be brought to an end as soon as possible and every intervention must be judged on what contribution it makes to that outcome.
The British government should urge restraint on the Trump administration and throw its weight behind peace negotiations and a comprehensive political settlement.The British government should urge restraint on the Trump administration and throw its weight behind peace negotiations and a comprehensive political settlement.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.34am BSTat 11.34am BST
11.16am BST11.16am BST
11:1611:16
Daniel BoffeyDaniel Boffey
The European commission head, Jean Claude Juncker, responded that “he understands efforts to deter future attacks” and that the EU stood ready to play its role in finding a political solution to the crisis.The European commission head, Jean Claude Juncker, responded that “he understands efforts to deter future attacks” and that the EU stood ready to play its role in finding a political solution to the crisis.
A statement for the European commission president said:A statement for the European commission president said:
A horrific chemical weapons attack on civilians struck Khan Sheikhun on 4 April. Last night, in response, the US launched airstrikes on Shayrat airfield.A horrific chemical weapons attack on civilians struck Khan Sheikhun on 4 April. Last night, in response, the US launched airstrikes on Shayrat airfield.
The US has informed the EU that these strikes were limited and seek to deter further chemical weapons atrocities.The US has informed the EU that these strikes were limited and seek to deter further chemical weapons atrocities.
President Juncker has been unequivocal in his condemnation of the use of chemical weapons.President Juncker has been unequivocal in his condemnation of the use of chemical weapons.
The repeated use of such weapons must be answered. He understands efforts to deter further attacks. There is a clear distinction between airstrikes on military targets and the use of chemical weapons against civilians.The repeated use of such weapons must be answered. He understands efforts to deter further attacks. There is a clear distinction between airstrikes on military targets and the use of chemical weapons against civilians.
Efforts to stem the spiral of violence in Syria and work towards a lasting peace should be redoubled. Only a political transition can lead to such an outcome. President Juncker and the European commission as a whole stand ready to play their part in full.Efforts to stem the spiral of violence in Syria and work towards a lasting peace should be redoubled. Only a political transition can lead to such an outcome. President Juncker and the European commission as a whole stand ready to play their part in full.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.32am BSTat 11.32am BST
11.13am BST11.13am BST
11:1311:13
Helena SmithHelena Smith
The UK’s foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, appears to be taking a wait-and-see approach to the US president’s decision to launch the airstrike.The UK’s foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, appears to be taking a wait-and-see approach to the US president’s decision to launch the airstrike.
Emerging from talks with the Greek prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, this morning, Johnson avoided making any comment, with one aide telling reporters he was “departing immediately” for Britain.Emerging from talks with the Greek prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, this morning, Johnson avoided making any comment, with one aide telling reporters he was “departing immediately” for Britain.
Johnson had preferred to stick to the issues of Brexit, Cyprus and Turkey during his discussions with the Greek leader, officials in Athens told the Guardian.Johnson had preferred to stick to the issues of Brexit, Cyprus and Turkey during his discussions with the Greek leader, officials in Athens told the Guardian.
A spokeswoman for Number 10 and the UK defence secretary, Michael Fallon, have said they support the strikes, adding they were “appropriate”.A spokeswoman for Number 10 and the UK defence secretary, Michael Fallon, have said they support the strikes, adding they were “appropriate”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.29am BSTat 11.29am BST
11.09am BST11.09am BST
11:0911:09
A warplane on Friday bombed the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhun, where a chemical attack killed scores of people this week and prompted US missile strikes, a witness in the rebel-held area and a war monitoring group said.A warplane on Friday bombed the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhun, where a chemical attack killed scores of people this week and prompted US missile strikes, a witness in the rebel-held area and a war monitoring group said.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based organisation that monitors the war, said a Syrian government or Russian warplane hit Khan Sheikhun, in rebel-held Idlib province, before noon local time.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based organisation that monitors the war, said a Syrian government or Russian warplane hit Khan Sheikhun, in rebel-held Idlib province, before noon local time.
The Syrian army and the Russian defence ministry could not immediately be reached for comment.The Syrian army and the Russian defence ministry could not immediately be reached for comment.
The witness, an activist working with an air raid warning service in opposition areas, said the jet struck at about 11am (0800 GMT) at the northern edge of the town, causing damage but no known casualties.The witness, an activist working with an air raid warning service in opposition areas, said the jet struck at about 11am (0800 GMT) at the northern edge of the town, causing damage but no known casualties.
The US fired dozens of cruise missiles on Friday at an airfield from which it said the Khan Sheikhun chemical attack that killed at least 70 people was launched on Tuesday.The US fired dozens of cruise missiles on Friday at an airfield from which it said the Khan Sheikhun chemical attack that killed at least 70 people was launched on Tuesday.
Washington blamed the gas attack on Syrian government forces. The Syrian government strongly denies responsibility and says it does not use chemical weapons.Washington blamed the gas attack on Syrian government forces. The Syrian government strongly denies responsibility and says it does not use chemical weapons.
The Observatory and the witness said earlier this week that the aircraft which they accused of carrying out the suspected gas attack had flown out of the Shayrat airbase.The Observatory and the witness said earlier this week that the aircraft which they accused of carrying out the suspected gas attack had flown out of the Shayrat airbase.
The Syrian army said the missile attack on its airbase killed six people and caused extensive damage, describing it as a “blatant aggression”.The Syrian army said the missile attack on its airbase killed six people and caused extensive damage, describing it as a “blatant aggression”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.28am BSTat 11.28am BST
11.06am BST11.06am BST
11:0611:06
Syrian state news agency claims US attack killed nine civilians, including four childrenSyrian state news agency claims US attack killed nine civilians, including four children
Reuters is reporting that the Syrian state news agency has said that US airstrikes killed nine civilians, including four children, in areas near the targeted airbase.Reuters is reporting that the Syrian state news agency has said that US airstrikes killed nine civilians, including four children, in areas near the targeted airbase.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.25am BSTat 11.25am BST
11.02am BST11.02am BST
11:0211:02
Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, will hold a meeting of his security council later on Friday to discuss the US missile strikes on Syria, the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters.Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, will hold a meeting of his security council later on Friday to discuss the US missile strikes on Syria, the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters.
Russia has suspended its Syria air safety agreement with the United States following the missile strikes, Reuters reports.Russia has suspended its Syria air safety agreement with the United States following the missile strikes, Reuters reports.
Peskov said Russia would keep technical and military channels of communication open with Washington but would not exchange any information through them.Peskov said Russia would keep technical and military channels of communication open with Washington but would not exchange any information through them.
“In light of the missile strikes, risks [of collisions between Russian and US aircraft] are significantly higher,” the spokesman told reporters.“In light of the missile strikes, risks [of collisions between Russian and US aircraft] are significantly higher,” the spokesman told reporters.
The strikes were carried out in the interests of Islamic State and other radical groups operating in Syria, Peskov added.The strikes were carried out in the interests of Islamic State and other radical groups operating in Syria, Peskov added.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.25am BSTat 11.25am BST
10.49am BST10.49am BST
10:4910:49
Shaun WalkerShaun Walker
A Russian defence ministry statement read on state television said the US attack had been “ineffective” and claimed Syrian authorities were looking for 36 Tomahawk missiles which fell outside the base and missed the target.A Russian defence ministry statement read on state television said the US attack had been “ineffective” and claimed Syrian authorities were looking for 36 Tomahawk missiles which fell outside the base and missed the target.
The statement also confirmed that Russia would stop cooperation and communication with US forces in Syria.The statement also confirmed that Russia would stop cooperation and communication with US forces in Syria.
The Russian state news reporter Evgeny Poddubny is at the base and posted a video of the damage on his Instagram account. He also wrote that his “preliminary information” at the base was that nine jets were destroyed in the strike.The Russian state news reporter Evgeny Poddubny is at the base and posted a video of the damage on his Instagram account. He also wrote that his “preliminary information” at the base was that nine jets were destroyed in the strike.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.24am BSTat 11.24am BST
10.48am BST10.48am BST
10:4810:48
Airstrikes reported in chemical attack town - ReutersAirstrikes reported in chemical attack town - Reuters
Airstrikes may have struck the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhun on Friday, where a chemical attack killed scores of people this week, according to a witness in the rebel-held area and a war monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory on Human Rights (SOHR).Airstrikes may have struck the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhun on Friday, where a chemical attack killed scores of people this week, according to a witness in the rebel-held area and a war monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory on Human Rights (SOHR).
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.23am BSTat 11.23am BST
10.45am BST10.45am BST
10:4510:45
Saeed Kamali DehghanSaeed Kamali Dehghan
Iran, Assad’s staunch regional backer, was quick to condemn the US strike on Syria’s al-Shayrat airfield, saying it violated international law and risked complicating the conflict further.Iran, Assad’s staunch regional backer, was quick to condemn the US strike on Syria’s al-Shayrat airfield, saying it violated international law and risked complicating the conflict further.
Tehran authorities also questioned claims that Assad was behind the chemical attack on Khan Sheikhun.Tehran authorities also questioned claims that Assad was behind the chemical attack on Khan Sheikhun.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, as the biggest victim of chemical weapons in the contemporary history, condemns all uses of chemical weapons regardless of their users or victims, and at the same time, considers any unilateral measure with this excuse as dangerous, destructive, and violating of the imperative principles of the international law,” said Bahram Ghasemi, Tehran’s foreign ministry spokesman, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency.“The Islamic Republic of Iran, as the biggest victim of chemical weapons in the contemporary history, condemns all uses of chemical weapons regardless of their users or victims, and at the same time, considers any unilateral measure with this excuse as dangerous, destructive, and violating of the imperative principles of the international law,” said Bahram Ghasemi, Tehran’s foreign ministry spokesman, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency.
“We believe that the American missile attack on Shayrat airbase in Syria launched from US warships, with the excuse of the mysterious chemical attack on Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, whose time, executers, and beneficiaries are shrouded in mystery, strengthens the near-to-death terrorists and complicates the situation in Syria and the whole region,” he added.“We believe that the American missile attack on Shayrat airbase in Syria launched from US warships, with the excuse of the mysterious chemical attack on Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, whose time, executers, and beneficiaries are shrouded in mystery, strengthens the near-to-death terrorists and complicates the situation in Syria and the whole region,” he added.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.22am BSTat 11.22am BST
10.39am BST10.39am BST
10:3910:39
Russia 24 TV has shown images of damage at the Shayrat airbase targeted by the US airstrike. Here are some screengrabs shown on BBC News:Russia 24 TV has shown images of damage at the Shayrat airbase targeted by the US airstrike. Here are some screengrabs shown on BBC News:
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.57am BST at 11.37am BST
10.33am BST10.33am BST
10:3310:33
Shaun WalkerShaun Walker
The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, who is in Tashkent today, said it appears there were no Russian servicemen killed in the missile strikes.The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, who is in Tashkent today, said it appears there were no Russian servicemen killed in the missile strikes.
He also compared the action to the 2003 invasion of Iraq but said “at least that time they tried to bring some evidence forward”.He also compared the action to the 2003 invasion of Iraq but said “at least that time they tried to bring some evidence forward”.
Other politicians in Russia are lining up to condemn the US airstrike, with many claiming the news of the chemical attack was a “fake” in order to provide a pretext for military action.Other politicians in Russia are lining up to condemn the US airstrike, with many claiming the news of the chemical attack was a “fake” in order to provide a pretext for military action.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.56am BSTat 10.56am BST
10.25am BST10.25am BST
10:2510:25
Hillary Clinton called for the US to take out Syrian government-controlled airfields just hours before Donald Trump launched airstrikes against Bashar al-Assad’s regime, PA reports.Hillary Clinton called for the US to take out Syrian government-controlled airfields just hours before Donald Trump launched airstrikes against Bashar al-Assad’s regime, PA reports.
Speaking in her first public interview since losing the US election in November last year, Clinton said Assad’s aerial power had been the key component behind widespread civilian deaths since the start of the civil war in 2011.Speaking in her first public interview since losing the US election in November last year, Clinton said Assad’s aerial power had been the key component behind widespread civilian deaths since the start of the civil war in 2011.
President Trump authorised the launchof cruise missiles in the early hours of Friday morning on a Syrian airbase thought to be behind this week’s chemical weapons attack.President Trump authorised the launchof cruise missiles in the early hours of Friday morning on a Syrian airbase thought to be behind this week’s chemical weapons attack.
Speaking to the New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, Clinton said she believed the US had been wrong not to have previously launched such an offensive.Speaking to the New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, Clinton said she believed the US had been wrong not to have previously launched such an offensive.
She said: “Assad had an air force, and that air force is the cause of most of the civilian deaths, as we have seen over the years and as we saw again in the last few days.She said: “Assad had an air force, and that air force is the cause of most of the civilian deaths, as we have seen over the years and as we saw again in the last few days.
“And I really believe that we should have and still should take out his airfields and prevent him from being able to use them to bomb innocent people and drop Sarin gas on them.”“And I really believe that we should have and still should take out his airfields and prevent him from being able to use them to bomb innocent people and drop Sarin gas on them.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.55am BSTat 10.55am BST
10.15am BST10.15am BST
10:1510:15
Stephanie KirchgaessnerStephanie Kirchgaessner
Angelino Alfano, the Italian foreign minister, said in a statement that Italy understood the reasons behind US military action and called the strikes a “proportionate” deterrent to the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime.Angelino Alfano, the Italian foreign minister, said in a statement that Italy understood the reasons behind US military action and called the strikes a “proportionate” deterrent to the further use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime.
Alfano called for a “necessary and urgent” meeting of the UN security council – where Italy, a non-permanent member, currently has a vote – and the adoption of a consensus resolution to prevent further atrocities.Alfano called for a “necessary and urgent” meeting of the UN security council – where Italy, a non-permanent member, currently has a vote – and the adoption of a consensus resolution to prevent further atrocities.
He also pointed to Rex Tillerson’s upcoming visit to Moscow, suggesting that the US secretary of state could encourage Russia to use its influence in Syria and with Assad to agree “a real ceasefire, full humanitarian access and a gradual building of trust between the Syrian parties”.He also pointed to Rex Tillerson’s upcoming visit to Moscow, suggesting that the US secretary of state could encourage Russia to use its influence in Syria and with Assad to agree “a real ceasefire, full humanitarian access and a gradual building of trust between the Syrian parties”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.53am BSTat 10.53am BST
10.03am BST10.03am BST
10:0310:03
Justin McCurryJustin McCurry
Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, said he supported Donald Trump’s “resolve” against the use and proliferation of chemical weapons.Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, said he supported Donald Trump’s “resolve” against the use and proliferation of chemical weapons.
“We understand that the action taken by the United States was designed to prevent the situation [in Syria] from worsening,” Kyodo News quoted Abe as saying after a meeting of Japan’s national security council.“We understand that the action taken by the United States was designed to prevent the situation [in Syria] from worsening,” Kyodo News quoted Abe as saying after a meeting of Japan’s national security council.
Abe described Tuesday’s chemical weapons attack on Syrian civilians as “extremely inhumane”, adding that he appreciated Trump’s attempts to address threats to global security, including North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes.Abe described Tuesday’s chemical weapons attack on Syrian civilians as “extremely inhumane”, adding that he appreciated Trump’s attempts to address threats to global security, including North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes.
Syria aside, Abe said “the threat from weapons of mass destruction is also growing more serious in east Asia”.Syria aside, Abe said “the threat from weapons of mass destruction is also growing more serious in east Asia”.
He added: “Japan will coordinate with the United States and the rest of the international community and play its proper role in global peace and stability.”He added: “Japan will coordinate with the United States and the rest of the international community and play its proper role in global peace and stability.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.52am BSTat 10.52am BST