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| Syria bombing: Russia PM calls Trump's airstrike 'good news for terrorists' – live | Syria bombing: Russia PM calls Trump's airstrike 'good news for terrorists' – live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 6.43pm BST | |
| 18:43 | |
| Bashar Jaafari, Syria’s ambassador to the UN, has accused the US of a “barbaric and flagrant act” that violates international law. | |
| The strikes on a military airfield, he said, lead to “a number of martyrs, including women and children, and wide-ranging material damage”. It remains unclear what damage or casualties were caused by the strikes: the White House has said all 59 missiles hit their targets, while Russian authorities have claimed that fewer than half did. | |
| Nevertheless Jaafari said: “This treacherous act of aggression is a grave violation of the charter of the United Nations as well as all international laws and norms.” | |
| He claimed – despite Tuesday’s chemical weapons strikes, the Syrian government’s past stockpiles and the word of US defense officials who said they had watched government planes make the strikes – that Assad’s government “does not have chemical weapons in the first place”. | |
| Such claims by the US, Jaafari said, were “attempts to justify it with empty pretexts … without genuine knowledge of what happened, without identifying whom was responsible”. | |
| He then accused the US of being “a partner of Isil and Jabhat al-Nusra” by way of its support for rebels who oppose Assad’s government. | |
| Updated | |
| at 7.06pm BST | |
| 6.36pm BST | |
| 18:36 | |
| US ambassador: 'Russia bears considerable responsibility' | |
| Haley then casts blame on Russia and Iran, saying Syrian president Bashar al-Assad” is not the only guilty party”. | |
| “The Iranian government bears a significant responsibility,” she says, for having “propped up” Assad since the Syrian civil war began in 2011. | |
| “The Russian government also bears considerable responsibility,” she continues. “Every time Assad has crossed the line of human decency, Russia has stood beside him.” | |
| She then denounces Russia for its seven decision to veto resolutions against Assad, and for its threat to veto another, which she says is “covering up for the Assad regime”. | |
| Delay, Haley argues, would create a “watered-down resolution” that would strengthen Assad. “Strengthening Assad would only lead to murders,” she says. | |
| Haley condemns, in particular, Russia’s conduct with regard to Syria’s agreement to destroy its chemical weapon stockpiles. | |
| “That has not happened,” she says. “It could be that Russia is knowingly allowing chemical weapons.” | |
| She offers that Russia’s oversight could be incomeptent, or, she says, “or it could be that the Assad regime is playing the Russians for fools”. | |
| “The world is waiting for the Russian government to act responsibly in Syria. The world is waiting for Russia to reconsider its misplaced alliance with Bashar al-Assad. The United States will no longer wait,” she says. “Those days are over.” | |
| Haley concludes by calling for a move toward a political solution, implying that the US missile strikes should be a sign to Assad and his allies must “take this process seriously, something they have not done” so far. | |
| 6.27pm BST | 6.27pm BST |
| 18:27 | 18:27 |
| American ambassador: 'US prepared to do more' | |
| The American ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, says the US “took a very measured step last night. We are prepared to do more but we hope that will not be necessary”. | The American ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, says the US “took a very measured step last night. We are prepared to do more but we hope that will not be necessary”. |
| Speaking in her capacity as ambassador and not as the current head of the security council, Haley condemned Syria – and Russia and Iran – for their respective actions in the last six years. | Speaking in her capacity as ambassador and not as the current head of the security council, Haley condemned Syria – and Russia and Iran – for their respective actions in the last six years. |
| Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has “terrorized” his country, Haley said, “murdered hundreds of thousands and displaced millions”. She says Assad has broken international law and “shocked the conscience” of the world. | Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has “terrorized” his country, Haley said, “murdered hundreds of thousands and displaced millions”. She says Assad has broken international law and “shocked the conscience” of the world. |
| On Tuesday Assad launched “yet another chemical attack, murdering men women and children in the most gruesome way,” Haley says. | On Tuesday Assad launched “yet another chemical attack, murdering men women and children in the most gruesome way,” Haley says. |
| “Assad did this because he thought he could get away with it. He thought he knew Russia would have his back.” | “Assad did this because he thought he could get away with it. He thought he knew Russia would have his back.” |
| Haley says that changed with the US strike. “When the international community fails in tis duty to act collectively there are times when states are compelled to take their own action.” | Haley says that changed with the US strike. “When the international community fails in tis duty to act collectively there are times when states are compelled to take their own action.” |
| The use of chemical weapons against civilians is “one of those times”, she said, and the cause for which “our military destroyed the airfield from which this week’s chemical strikes took place. | The use of chemical weapons against civilians is “one of those times”, she said, and the cause for which “our military destroyed the airfield from which this week’s chemical strikes took place. |
| “We were fully justified in doing so. The moral stain of the Assad regime could no longer go unanswered. “His crimes against humanity could no longer be met with empty words.” | “We were fully justified in doing so. The moral stain of the Assad regime could no longer go unanswered. “His crimes against humanity could no longer be met with empty words.” |
| “Bashar al Assad must never use chemical weapons again, ever.” | “Bashar al Assad must never use chemical weapons again, ever.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.00pm BST | |
| 6.11pm BST | 6.11pm BST |
| 18:11 | 18:11 |
| The White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, has tweeted several photos of the president, including one during a national security briefing. President Trump sits at the head of the table surrounded by most of the members of his inner circle. | The White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, has tweeted several photos of the president, including one during a national security briefing. President Trump sits at the head of the table surrounded by most of the members of his inner circle. |
| Around the table, from left to right, excluding the president himself: his deputy chief of staff, Joe Hagin, senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, treasury secretary, Steve Mnuchin, commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, national security adviser, HR McMaster, and chief of staff, Reince Priebus. | Around the table, from left to right, excluding the president himself: his deputy chief of staff, Joe Hagin, senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, treasury secretary, Steve Mnuchin, commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, national security adviser, HR McMaster, and chief of staff, Reince Priebus. |
| Seated against the wall are Spicer, chief strategist, Steve Bannon, senior adviser Stephen Miller, national security adviser Michael Anton, deputy national security adviser Dina Powell, and chief economic adviser, Gary Cohn. | Seated against the wall are Spicer, chief strategist, Steve Bannon, senior adviser Stephen Miller, national security adviser Michael Anton, deputy national security adviser Dina Powell, and chief economic adviser, Gary Cohn. |
| WH photo (ed for security): @potus receives briefing on #syria military strike fr Nat Security team, inc @vp , SECDEF, CJCS via secure VTC pic.twitter.com/aaCnR7xomR | WH photo (ed for security): @potus receives briefing on #syria military strike fr Nat Security team, inc @vp , SECDEF, CJCS via secure VTC pic.twitter.com/aaCnR7xomR |
| The photo’s composition has drawn comparisons with the photo taking in the Obama White House in 2011 during the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden. | The photo’s composition has drawn comparisons with the photo taking in the Obama White House in 2011 during the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden. |
| Then vice-president Joe Biden sits at the far left, next to Barack Obama. Then secretary of state Hillary Clinton also sits at the table, with then secretary of defense Robert Gates to her right. | Then vice-president Joe Biden sits at the far left, next to Barack Obama. Then secretary of state Hillary Clinton also sits at the table, with then secretary of defense Robert Gates to her right. |
| Spicer has also tweeted another photo from Trump’s resort at Mar-a-Lago, where the president is meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jingping, and Beijing’s large delegation. | Spicer has also tweeted another photo from Trump’s resort at Mar-a-Lago, where the president is meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jingping, and Beijing’s large delegation. |
| .@POTUS and US delegation join President Xi and the Chinese delegation for a working lunch pic.twitter.com/gDylxomkij | .@POTUS and US delegation join President Xi and the Chinese delegation for a working lunch pic.twitter.com/gDylxomkij |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.23pm BST | at 6.23pm BST |
| 5.56pm BST | 5.56pm BST |
| 17:56 | 17:56 |
| Russia warns US of 'serious consequences' to strike | |
| Alan Yuhas | Alan Yuhas |
| At the UN, Russia’s deputy ambassador, Vladimir Safronkov, has angrily told the United States it should halt any military action against the forces of Bashar al-Assad. | At the UN, Russia’s deputy ambassador, Vladimir Safronkov, has angrily told the United States it should halt any military action against the forces of Bashar al-Assad. |
| “We call on the United States to immediately cease its aggression and to join efforts to make a political solution in Syria, and to work together to combat the terrorist threat,” Safronkov said. | “We call on the United States to immediately cease its aggression and to join efforts to make a political solution in Syria, and to work together to combat the terrorist threat,” Safronkov said. |
| “We strongly condemn the illegitimate actions by the US. The consequences of this for regional and international stability could be extremely serious,” he added. | |
| The ambassador said that he had heard “many insulting words” about Russia’s use of its veto rights on the UN security council, and defended Russia’s conduct. “We use it only in such circumstances in which you, you try in the UN security council, to impose your irresponsible geopolitical projects.” | |
| Safronkov also said that the council must pay attention to airstrikes, by the US-led coalition against Isis in Mosul, Iraq, that had killed dozens of civilians. “The Mosul tragedy must be publicised, people must know about it,” Safronkov said. “Nothing was said about Mosul.” | Safronkov also said that the council must pay attention to airstrikes, by the US-led coalition against Isis in Mosul, Iraq, that had killed dozens of civilians. “The Mosul tragedy must be publicised, people must know about it,” Safronkov said. “Nothing was said about Mosul.” |
| “We do not want to draw attention away from Syria,” he added. | “We do not want to draw attention away from Syria,” he added. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.57pm BST | |
| 5.39pm BST | 5.39pm BST |
| 17:39 | 17:39 |
| Summary of what we know so far | Summary of what we know so far |
| Nadia Khomami | Nadia Khomami |
| Last night, the US launched a missile strike against Syria for the first time since the civil war began, targeting an airbase from which the US said this week’s chemical weapons attack on civilians was launched by Bashar al-Assad’s regime. | Last night, the US launched a missile strike against Syria for the first time since the civil war began, targeting an airbase from which the US said this week’s chemical weapons attack on civilians was launched by Bashar al-Assad’s regime. |
| The strikes targeted Shayrat airbase near Homs. The US has said this was the location from which Syrian forces had launched a chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun on Tuesday morning. | The strikes targeted Shayrat airbase near Homs. The US has said this was the location from which Syrian forces had launched a chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun on Tuesday morning. |
| The Pentagon said 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from the warships USS Ross and Porter in the eastern Mediterranean in the early hours of Friday morning, local time. | The Pentagon said 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from the warships USS Ross and Porter in the eastern Mediterranean in the early hours of Friday morning, local time. |
| A Syrian official told the Associated Press that at least seven people were killed and nine wounded in the US missile attack. Reuters reported that the Syrian state news agency said the strikes killed nine civilians, including four children, in areas near the targeted airbase. The death toll has not been independently verified. | A Syrian official told the Associated Press that at least seven people were killed and nine wounded in the US missile attack. Reuters reported that the Syrian state news agency said the strikes killed nine civilians, including four children, in areas near the targeted airbase. The death toll has not been independently verified. |
| Some reports said senior officers had evacuated the base before the airstrikes happened and after foreign countries were notified of an imminent attack by the US. | Some reports said senior officers had evacuated the base before the airstrikes happened and after foreign countries were notified of an imminent attack by the US. |
| President Bashar al-Assad’s office said the strike was “foolish and irresponsible” and “revealed its short-sightedness and political and military blindness to reality”. It said the government would redouble its efforts against rebel groups after the strike, adding: “The disgraceful act of targeting a sovereign state’s airport demonstrates once again that different administrations do not change deeper policies.” | President Bashar al-Assad’s office said the strike was “foolish and irresponsible” and “revealed its short-sightedness and political and military blindness to reality”. It said the government would redouble its efforts against rebel groups after the strike, adding: “The disgraceful act of targeting a sovereign state’s airport demonstrates once again that different administrations do not change deeper policies.” |
| Syrian rebels welcomed the strike and called for additional action. “Hitting one airbase is not enough – there are 26 airbases that target civilians,” a key figure in the Army of Islam faction, Mohamed Alloush, said on Twitter. “The whole world should save the Syrian people from the clutches of the killer Bashar [al-Assad] and his aides.” | Syrian rebels welcomed the strike and called for additional action. “Hitting one airbase is not enough – there are 26 airbases that target civilians,” a key figure in the Army of Islam faction, Mohamed Alloush, said on Twitter. “The whole world should save the Syrian people from the clutches of the killer Bashar [al-Assad] and his aides.” |
| Russia, a Syria ally that has been helping the Assad regime target rebel-held districts, condemned the US action. Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the president regarded the strikes as “aggression against a sovereign state in violation of international law, and under a false pretext”. | Russia, a Syria ally that has been helping the Assad regime target rebel-held districts, condemned the US action. Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the president regarded the strikes as “aggression against a sovereign state in violation of international law, and under a false pretext”. |
| Peskov said Trump’s move would have consequences for relations between the two countries. “With this step Washington has struck a significant blow to Russian-American relations, which were already in a sorry state.” | Peskov said Trump’s move would have consequences for relations between the two countries. “With this step Washington has struck a significant blow to Russian-American relations, which were already in a sorry state.” |
| 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 that fell outside the base and missed the target. The statement also confirmed Russia would stop cooperation and communication with US forces in Syria. | 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 that fell outside the base and missed the target. The statement also confirmed Russia would stop cooperation and communication with US forces in Syria. |
| Shortly thereafter, the Russian military said it would help Syria strengthen its air defences after the strike to help “protect the most sensitive Syrian infrastructure facilities”. In a post on Facebook, the Russian prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, wrote about “completely ruined relations” between Russia and the US, saying the US strike was “good news for terrorists”. | Shortly thereafter, the Russian military said it would help Syria strengthen its air defences after the strike to help “protect the most sensitive Syrian infrastructure facilities”. In a post on Facebook, the Russian prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, wrote about “completely ruined relations” between Russia and the US, saying the US strike was “good news for terrorists”. |
| The US secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, said the strikes did not indicate a shift in US policy towards Syria, despite it being a significant change from the previous stance taken by the Trump administration. Tillerson said Russia bore responsibility for its handling of the 2013 deal that was supposed to remove Assad’s stockpile of chemical weapons. | The US secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, said the strikes did not indicate a shift in US policy towards Syria, despite it being a significant change from the previous stance taken by the Trump administration. Tillerson said Russia bore responsibility for its handling of the 2013 deal that was supposed to remove Assad’s stockpile of chemical weapons. |
| The Pentagon confirmed Russia had been told in advance of the strike through military channels, despite earlier claims from Tillerson that there had been no contact. | The Pentagon confirmed Russia had been told in advance of the strike through military channels, despite earlier claims from Tillerson that there had been no contact. |
| Hillary Clinton called for the US to “take out” Syrian government-controlled airfields just hours before Trump launched airstrikes. | Hillary Clinton called for the US to “take out” Syrian government-controlled airfields just hours before Trump launched airstrikes. |
| The move was supported by key US allies, including the UK, Australia, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Italy and Japan said they understood the action taken by the US. | The move was supported by key US allies, including the UK, Australia, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Italy and Japan said they understood the action taken by the US. |
| The UK defence secretary, Michael Fallon, said the British government was not asked to provide military support to the US attack but believed it was a “wholly appropriate”. “We’re not committed to military action against Syria. Our parliament considered that before, back in 2013, and turned it down,” he said. | The UK defence secretary, Michael Fallon, said the British government was not asked to provide military support to the US attack but believed it was a “wholly appropriate”. “We’re not committed to military action against Syria. Our parliament considered that before, back in 2013, and turned it down,” he said. |
| Iran, Assad’s regional backer, said it “strongly condemned” the strikes, as it condemned “all unilateral military action”. It said the action was taken under the “pretext” of the chemical strike. Bahram Ghasemi, Tehran’s foreign ministry spokesman, said the attack “strengthens the near-to-death terrorists and complicates the situation in Syria and the whole region”. | Iran, Assad’s regional backer, said it “strongly condemned” the strikes, as it condemned “all unilateral military action”. It said the action was taken under the “pretext” of the chemical strike. Bahram Ghasemi, Tehran’s foreign ministry spokesman, said the attack “strengthens the near-to-death terrorists and complicates the situation in Syria and the whole region”. |
| The UN coordinator for humanitarian affairs, Jens Laerke, says it had no sign that US military strikes against the Syrian airbase had had “any direct consequence” on overall aid operations in Syria. A UN human rights office spokeswoman, Ravina Shamdasani, said on Friday at a UN briefing that use of chemical weapons, if confirmed, would amount to a war crime. | The UN coordinator for humanitarian affairs, Jens Laerke, says it had no sign that US military strikes against the Syrian airbase had had “any direct consequence” on overall aid operations in Syria. A UN human rights office spokeswoman, Ravina Shamdasani, said on Friday at a UN briefing that use of chemical weapons, if confirmed, would amount to a war crime. |
| The UN secretary general, António Guterres, has appealed to parties involved in the Syrian conflict for restraint to avoid adding to the suffering of Syria’s people. | The UN secretary general, António Guterres, has appealed to parties involved in the Syrian conflict for restraint to avoid adding to the suffering of Syria’s people. |
| Nato’s secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said Assad “bears full responsibility” for the US airstrikes against an airbase in Syria. The European commission said Jean-Claude Juncker “understands efforts to deter future attacks” and that the EU stood ready to play its role in finding a political solution to the crisis. | Nato’s secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said Assad “bears full responsibility” for the US airstrikes against an airbase in Syria. The European commission said Jean-Claude Juncker “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 Syrian Observatory on Human Rights said airstrikes may have struck Khan Sheikhun on Friday. | The Syrian Observatory on Human Rights said airstrikes may have struck Khan Sheikhun on Friday. |
| The UN security council has met to discuss the US strikes. Britain’s UN ambassador, Matthew Rycroft, said Assad has been “put on notice”, describing the strike as a “proportionate response to unspeakable acts”. France’s UN ambassador, François Delattre, said Assad’s goal was “annihilation, quite simply, of all those who resist him, whatever the price might be”. | The UN security council has met to discuss the US strikes. Britain’s UN ambassador, Matthew Rycroft, said Assad has been “put on notice”, describing the strike as a “proportionate response to unspeakable acts”. France’s UN ambassador, François Delattre, said Assad’s goal was “annihilation, quite simply, of all those who resist him, whatever the price might be”. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.19pm BST | at 6.19pm BST |
| 5.35pm BST | 5.35pm BST |
| 17:35 | 17:35 |
| The French UN ambassador, François Delattre, has told the UN security council that Assad’s goal is “annihilation, quite simply, of all those who resist him, whatever the price might be”. He described the US strike as legitimate as it had become “essential to deter” Assad. | The French UN ambassador, François Delattre, has told the UN security council that Assad’s goal is “annihilation, quite simply, of all those who resist him, whatever the price might be”. He described the US strike as legitimate as it had become “essential to deter” Assad. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.16pm BST | at 6.16pm BST |
| 5.32pm BST | 5.32pm BST |
| 17:32 | 17:32 |
| Jennifer Rankin | Jennifer Rankin |
| The leader of one of Europe’s oldest human rights bodies is facing growing criticism over a surprise meeting last month with Bashar al-Assad. | The leader of one of Europe’s oldest human rights bodies is facing growing criticism over a surprise meeting last month with Bashar al-Assad. |
| Pedro Agramunt, a Spanish centre-right politician who is president of the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe (Pace), caused consternation at the Strasbourg-based organisation when it was reported that he and other lawmakers had paid an unexpected visit to Syria last month. | Pedro Agramunt, a Spanish centre-right politician who is president of the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe (Pace), caused consternation at the Strasbourg-based organisation when it was reported that he and other lawmakers had paid an unexpected visit to Syria last month. |
| Agramunt and several European parliamentarians had met Assad accompanied by a Russian delegation led by the Duma deputy Leonid Slutsky. According to the Russian state news agency Tass, 10 European parliamentarians were present on the trip, which took place on 20 March. | Agramunt and several European parliamentarians had met Assad accompanied by a Russian delegation led by the Duma deputy Leonid Slutsky. According to the Russian state news agency Tass, 10 European parliamentarians were present on the trip, which took place on 20 March. |
| Diplomats and MPs from several countries were already unhappy about the visit even before this week’s chemical attack by the Assad regime. Now pressure on the Spanish politician is mounting. | Diplomats and MPs from several countries were already unhappy about the visit even before this week’s chemical attack by the Assad regime. Now pressure on the Spanish politician is mounting. |
| “An increasing number of members of the assembly, political groups and national delegations are expressing their concern and criticism,” the Socialist party has said in a recent statement. “It is urgent that Pace reiterates its condemnation of war crimes and killing of civilians and dissociates from any initiative which can weaken its capacity and credibility of acting as strong advocate for human rights.” | “An increasing number of members of the assembly, political groups and national delegations are expressing their concern and criticism,” the Socialist party has said in a recent statement. “It is urgent that Pace reiterates its condemnation of war crimes and killing of civilians and dissociates from any initiative which can weaken its capacity and credibility of acting as strong advocate for human rights.” |
| The group said it had written to Agramunt asking for “urgent and public clarification about the role of Pace in this story … but, unfortunately, this clarification has not been made”. | The group said it had written to Agramunt asking for “urgent and public clarification about the role of Pace in this story … but, unfortunately, this clarification has not been made”. |
| French parliamentarians have also written to Agramunt demanding an explanation by the next session, which begins on 24 April. | French parliamentarians have also written to Agramunt demanding an explanation by the next session, which begins on 24 April. |
| The Council of Europe was established in 1949 to safeguard democracy and human rights on the continent. Parliamentarians from 47 countries meet four times a year in the parliamentary assembly in Strasbourg, though Russia has not returned to the assembly following its suspension in 2014 in response to the annexation of Crimea. | The Council of Europe was established in 1949 to safeguard democracy and human rights on the continent. Parliamentarians from 47 countries meet four times a year in the parliamentary assembly in Strasbourg, though Russia has not returned to the assembly following its suspension in 2014 in response to the annexation of Crimea. |
| Tass had described Agramunt as Pace president, though officials at the Council of Europe have insisted he was not making an official visit. Agramunt’s “initiative does not commit the Council of Europe in any way”, said a spokesman. | Tass had described Agramunt as Pace president, though officials at the Council of Europe have insisted he was not making an official visit. Agramunt’s “initiative does not commit the Council of Europe in any way”, said a spokesman. |
| The office of the Pace president had not immediately responded to the Guardian’s request for comment when this blog post was published. | The office of the Pace president had not immediately responded to the Guardian’s request for comment when this blog post was published. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.59pm BST | at 5.59pm BST |
| 5.21pm BST | 5.21pm BST |
| 17:21 | 17:21 |
| Trump’s airstrike is a convenient U-turn from a president who can’t be trusted, writes Jonathan Freedland. | Trump’s airstrike is a convenient U-turn from a president who can’t be trusted, writes Jonathan Freedland. |
| 5.14pm BST | 5.14pm BST |
| 17:14 | 17:14 |
| Britain’s UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft: Assad has been 'put on notice' | Britain’s UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft: Assad has been 'put on notice' |
| Britain’s UN ambassador, Matthew Rycroft, has said Assad has been “put on notice” by the US airstrike, describing it as a “proportionate response to unspeakable acts”. | Britain’s UN ambassador, Matthew Rycroft, has said Assad has been “put on notice” by the US airstrike, describing it as a “proportionate response to unspeakable acts”. |
| “Without Russia’s seven vetoes in the security council, defying the views of other members of this council, Assad would have faced sanctions and justice,” Rycroft told the 15-member council. | “Without Russia’s seven vetoes in the security council, defying the views of other members of this council, Assad would have faced sanctions and justice,” Rycroft told the 15-member council. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.08pm BST | at 6.08pm BST |
| 5.12pm BST | 5.12pm BST |
| 17:12 | 17:12 |
| The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said he supported the “strong and clear message” sent by the US airstrike. | The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said he supported the “strong and clear message” sent by the US airstrike. |
| The Israeli military said it had been informed in advance of the strike. “In both word and action, President Trump sent a strong and clear message today that the use and spread of chemical weapons will not be tolerated,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office said. “Israel fully supports President Trump’s decision and hopes that this message of resolve in the face of the Assad regime’s horrific actions will resonate not only in Damascus, but in Tehran, Pyongyang and elsewhere.” | The Israeli military said it had been informed in advance of the strike. “In both word and action, President Trump sent a strong and clear message today that the use and spread of chemical weapons will not be tolerated,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office said. “Israel fully supports President Trump’s decision and hopes that this message of resolve in the face of the Assad regime’s horrific actions will resonate not only in Damascus, but in Tehran, Pyongyang and elsewhere.” |
| Hours after those remarks, the US vice-president, Mike Pence, called the Israeli premier and thanked him in Trump’s name for the Israeli support of the US attack in Syria, Netanyahu’s office said. Pence had also “updated Netanyahu on the details of the attack and its outcome”, it said. | Hours after those remarks, the US vice-president, Mike Pence, called the Israeli premier and thanked him in Trump’s name for the Israeli support of the US attack in Syria, Netanyahu’s office said. Pence had also “updated Netanyahu on the details of the attack and its outcome”, it said. |
| “Netanyahu reiterated the need to prevent the distribution and use of chemical weapons,” his office said. | “Netanyahu reiterated the need to prevent the distribution and use of chemical weapons,” his office said. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.11pm BST | at 6.11pm BST |