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UK government 'fully supports' US air strike in Syria UK government 'fully supports' US air strike in Syria
(about 2 hours later)
The UK government says it "fully supports" the US missile strike against an air base in Syria in response to a suspected chemical weapons attack. The UK government says it "fully supports" the US missile strike against an air base in Syria over a suspected chemical weapons attack.
A No 10 spokeswoman said: "We believe [it] was an appropriate response to the barbaric chemical weapons attack launched by the Syrian regime, and is intended to deter further attacks." Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the UK had been in "close contact" with the US over the last few days and the PM had been "informed throughout".
Dozens of civilians, including children died in the attack on Tuesday. The attack comes days after dozens of civilians, including children, died in a suspected nerve gas attack.
The Pentagon said 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired overnight. Mr Fallon said the US action was to "deter" the Syrian regime.
The No 10 spokeswoman said: "Overnight, the US has taken military action against the Syrian regime, targeting the airfield in Shayrut which was used to launch the chemical weapons attack earlier this week." He told BBC Breakfast: "We fully support this strike, we've been in close contact with the American government over the last couple of days in preparation for this.
"The Americans believe they've exhausted all possible diplomatic and peaceful ways of dealing with the use by the regime of chemical weapons and they have been determined to try to prevent future attacks like this so they've taken this action today."
He added that the move was "very limited and appropriate action to deter the regime" in Syria from using gas in an "appalling way".
Mr Fallon said the UK government had not been asked to take part in the strike.
"It's not part of the coalition...but the US have made this clear that this was a US operation, but I should emphasise we fully support it."
US President Donald Trump explained in a televised address that the base had been the launch point for the chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province.US President Donald Trump explained in a televised address that the base had been the launch point for the chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province.
He called on "all civilised nations" to help end the conflict in Syria.He called on "all civilised nations" to help end the conflict in Syria.
Mr Trump branded President Assad a "dictator" who had "launched a horrible chemical weapons attack on innocent civilians".
Mr Fallon said that based on UK intelligence assessments it was "highly likely" that Assad's regime was responsible for the attack.
The UK government has made renewed calls this week for diplomatic action in response to the chemical attack.The UK government has made renewed calls this week for diplomatic action in response to the chemical attack.
The US, UK and France had brought a resolution before the United Nations Security Council, demanding an investigation.The US, UK and France had brought a resolution before the United Nations Security Council, demanding an investigation.
But on Wednesday, Downing Street had played down the prospect of military action, insisting "nobody is talking" about an armed response to the atrocity.But on Wednesday, Downing Street had played down the prospect of military action, insisting "nobody is talking" about an armed response to the atrocity.