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 20 Version 21
Second attack on Syrian town hit by chemical weapons reported after Trump strikes airbase – live Syria airstrikes: UN security council to discuss Trump's attack on airbase – live
(35 minutes later)
3.05pm BST
15:05
Nadia Khomami
The situation in Syria “amounts to an international armed conflict” following the US airstrike on a Syrian airbase, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said.
“Any military operation by a state on the territory of another without the consent of the other amounts to an international armed conflict,” ICRC spokeswoman Iolanda Jaquemet told Reuters in Geneva. “So according to available information - the US attack on Syrian military infrastructure - the situation amounts to an international armed conflict.”
ICRC officials were raising the attack with US authorities as part of its ongoing confidential dialogue with parties to the conflict, she added.
2.16pm BST2.16pm BST
14:1614:16
The UN security council will meet at 4.30pm UK time to discuss US strikes in Syria - Reuters. The UN security council will meet at 4.30pm UK time to discuss US strikes in Syria, according to Reuters.
Updated
at 2.51pm BST
2.00pm BST2.00pm BST
14:0014:00
Syrian rebel Free Syrian Army welcomes airstrikes but fear retaliation - reports Rebel Free Syrian Army welcomes airstrikes but fear retaliation – reports
The Free Syrian Army has released a statement welcoming the US airstrikes in Syria but have warned the US “responsibility is still big and does not end with this operation”, Reuters reports.The Free Syrian Army has released a statement welcoming the US airstrikes in Syria but have warned the US “responsibility is still big and does not end with this operation”, Reuters reports.
The rebel group said it was afraid of acts of revenge against civilians by Assad and his allies and said military operations targeting airbases and banned weapons should continue.The rebel group said it was afraid of acts of revenge against civilians by Assad and his allies and said military operations targeting airbases and banned weapons should continue.
Updated
at 2.52pm BST
1.45pm BST1.45pm BST
13:4513:45
There has been more support for Trump’s airstrikes in Syria, this time from Canada and Jordan.There has been more support for Trump’s airstrikes in Syria, this time from Canada and Jordan.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement: “Canada fully supports the United States’ limited and focused action to degrade the Assad regime’s ability to launch chemical weapons attacks against innocent civilians, including many children.Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement: “Canada fully supports the United States’ limited and focused action to degrade the Assad regime’s ability to launch chemical weapons attacks against innocent civilians, including many children.
“President Assad’s use of chemical weapons and the crimes the Syrian regime has committed against its own people cannot be ignored.”“President Assad’s use of chemical weapons and the crimes the Syrian regime has committed against its own people cannot be ignored.”
The Jordanian state news agency, Petra, reported that the Jordanian administration said the US missle strike was “necessary and appropriate”. The Jordanian state news agency, Petra, reported that the Jordanian administration said the US missile strike was “necessary and appropriate”.
Updated
at 2.51pm BST
1.20pm BST1.20pm BST
13:2013:20
The leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron, has backed the US airstrikes in Syria in a piece for the Guardian.The leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron, has backed the US airstrikes in Syria in a piece for the Guardian.
It starts:It starts:
I am in no doubt that what will end the war in Syria is what ultimately ends every conflict: words and diplomacy, not weapons. But when diplomacy fails and civilians suffer, as they have been doing for many years in Syria, and when they are the victim of weapons that have been outlawed by the international community for their horrific and indiscriminate consequences, then we cannot shy away from proportionate military intervention.I am in no doubt that what will end the war in Syria is what ultimately ends every conflict: words and diplomacy, not weapons. But when diplomacy fails and civilians suffer, as they have been doing for many years in Syria, and when they are the victim of weapons that have been outlawed by the international community for their horrific and indiscriminate consequences, then we cannot shy away from proportionate military intervention.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.52pm BSTat 1.52pm BST
1.03pm BST1.03pm BST
13:0313:03
1.03pm BST1.03pm BST
13:0313:03
Here’s a round up of global reaction to the US airstrikes in Syria:Here’s a round up of global reaction to the US airstrikes in Syria:
12.35pm BST12.35pm BST
12:3512:35
Assad's office calls US strike 'reckless and irresponsible'Assad's office calls US strike 'reckless and irresponsible'
The office of the Syrian president has called the US strike against one of its airbases in central Homs “reckless” and “irresponsible,” AP reports.The office of the Syrian president has called the US strike against one of its airbases in central Homs “reckless” and “irresponsible,” AP reports.
The statement on Friday said the strikes were “shortsighted” and reflect a continuation of policy regardless of which administration that is based on targeting and “subjugating people”. It added that the dawn attack was not based on facts.The statement on Friday said the strikes were “shortsighted” and reflect a continuation of policy regardless of which administration that is based on targeting and “subjugating people”. It added that the dawn attack was not based on facts.
UPDATE: Syrian presidency breaks silence, says U.S. airstrikes "foolish, irresponsible." pic.twitter.com/gYidve7CApUPDATE: Syrian presidency breaks silence, says U.S. airstrikes "foolish, irresponsible." pic.twitter.com/gYidve7CAp
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.32pm BSTat 1.32pm BST
12.16pm BST12.16pm BST
12:1612:16
Putin holds security council meetingPutin holds security council meeting
Shaun WalkerShaun Walker
Vladimir Putin has held a meeting of the security council to discuss the Russian response. “The participants expressed deep concern at the inevitable negative consequences of these aggressive actions for the joint efforts to fight terrorism,” said spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He said the security council also expressed regret at the harm the strike would do to US-Russian relations, and they discussed ways to continue the Russian air force operation in Syria to give support to Assad’s army.Vladimir Putin has held a meeting of the security council to discuss the Russian response. “The participants expressed deep concern at the inevitable negative consequences of these aggressive actions for the joint efforts to fight terrorism,” said spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He said the security council also expressed regret at the harm the strike would do to US-Russian relations, and they discussed ways to continue the Russian air force operation in Syria to give support to Assad’s army.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.26pm BSTat 1.26pm BST
11.55am BST11.55am BST
11:5511:55
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.39pm BSTat 1.39pm BST
11.42am BST11.42am BST
11:4211:42
Russian military to strengthen Syrian air defences - APRussian 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 airbase, AP reports.The Russian military says it will help Syria strengthen its air defences after the US strike on a Syrian airbase, 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”.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 US strike was very low,” adding that only 23 of the 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles reached the Shayrat air base in the province of Homs.Konashenkov said “the combat efficiency of the US 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.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.Konashenkov added that the base’s runway also has been left undamaged.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.24pm BSTat 1.24pm BST
11.32am BST11.32am BST
11:3211:32
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.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 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.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.
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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.38am BSTat 11.38am BST
11.28am BST11.28am BST
11:2811:28
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 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.
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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.49am BSTat 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