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Syria latest: Theresa May calls strikes 'right and legal' – live updates Syria latest: Theresa May calls strikes 'right and legal' – live updates
(35 minutes later)
The Russian military has claimed that the Syrian air defences, whose most modern weapon is a three-decade old Russian-supplied anti-aircraft system, shot down “71 of 103” missiles fired by the US and its allies, the UK and France, Peter Beaumont and Andrew Roth write.
As more details began to emerge about the sites target by the US-led strikes, Col Gen Sergei Rudskoi of the Russian military said the strikes had not caused any casualties and that Syrian military facilities targeted suffered only minor damage.
Although it was not possible to verify the claims, the most up-to-date system that Moscow has supplied the Syrian regime is the short range Pantsir S-1, which has an anti-missile capability.
Russia said its advisers had spent the last 18 months “completely rebuilding” the Syrian air defence system, and said the high number of intercepted rockets spoke to “the high effectiveness of the weaponry in Syria and the excellent training of Syrian servicemen prepared by our specialists”.
Although Russia suggested that Syrian forces had been responsible for manning their own air defences, Russian advisers have a long history of operating systems in such situations.
Video footage that emerged in the aftermath of the strikes appeared to show air defence missiles being launched.
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The Stop the War coalition has condemned the airstrikes. A statement released by the group said:
We strongly condemn the missile attacks on Syria last night which will have only brought the Syrians more misery and destruction. They will have done nothing to end the war or alleviate their suffering. In sanctioning killing at the behest of Donald Trump, Theresa May deliberately avoided consulting parliament and risked dramatically widening the war.
The overwhelming majority of people in this country oppose this action just as they have opposed the series of wars of the last seventeen years. Following protests around the country yesterday the Stop the War Coalition is calling for a further protest in Parliament Square this Monday 16 April the day Parliament reconvenes.
Theresa May has refused to rule out further action against targets in Syria if Britain sees further evidence of chemical weapons attacks, but faced down calls for an immediate vote in parliament on the British airstrikes overnight, writes Jessica Elgot.
In Downing Street after military action was authorised in a joint offensive by the UK, US and France, the prime minister said the airstrikes would “significantly degrade the Syrian regime’s ability to research, develop and deploy chemical weapons.”The prime minister said allies had hit a chemical weapons storage and production facility, a key chemical weapons research centre and a military bunker involved in chemical weapons attacks.However, pressed on whether she would authorise further strikes if chemical weapons stockpiles had survived, May said the Syrian regime should not doubt Britain’s resolve to prevent the normalisation of chemical weapons.
Amid accusations from Jeremy Corbyn that the attack was legally questionable, the prime minister said attorney general Jeremy Wright had produced legal advice presented to cabinet on Thursday. Officials said it had made the case that strikes were necessary to prevent humanitarian catastrophe.
May said she would return to the Commons on Monday when MPs arrive back from the Easter recess to give a statement and answer questions about the attack. But pressed on whether she would grant MPs a vote if further action was taken, the prime minister declined to give any guarantees.“This decision was taken because I think it was the right thing to do,” she said. “The power to take this decision is obviously a prerogative power and at the first opportunity, parliament will have an opportunity to question this. I will be in parliament on Monday in order to do so. The intent of this action is that it does degrade, and it does deter, the Syrian regime from taking action. We will be following up with further diplomatic action.”
In her statement to journalists on Saturday, UK prime minister Theresa May gave examples of “evidence” that led UK authorities to conclude the Assad regime was behind the chemical weapons attack in Douma.In her statement to journalists on Saturday, UK prime minister Theresa May gave examples of “evidence” that led UK authorities to conclude the Assad regime was behind the chemical weapons attack in Douma.
Her comments add to information supplied by both the Pentagon in the US and an assessment released by France of what happened in Douma.Her comments add to information supplied by both the Pentagon in the US and an assessment released by France of what happened in Douma.
May said:May said:
I cannot tell you everything. But let me give an example of some of the evidence that leads us to this conclusion. Open source accounts allege that a barrel bomb was used to deliver the chemicals.I cannot tell you everything. But let me give an example of some of the evidence that leads us to this conclusion. Open source accounts allege that a barrel bomb was used to deliver the chemicals.
Multiple open source reports claim that a Regime helicopter was observed above the city of Douma on the evening of 7th April. The Opposition does not operate helicopters or use barrel bombs.Multiple open source reports claim that a Regime helicopter was observed above the city of Douma on the evening of 7th April. The Opposition does not operate helicopters or use barrel bombs.
And reliable intelligence indicates that Syrian military officials co-ordinated what appears to be the use of chlorine in Douma on 7th April.And reliable intelligence indicates that Syrian military officials co-ordinated what appears to be the use of chlorine in Douma on 7th April.
No other group could have carried out this attack. Indeed, Daesh for example does not even have a presence in Douma.No other group could have carried out this attack. Indeed, Daesh for example does not even have a presence in Douma.
France on Saturday released its assessment of what happened in the Syrian town of Douma on April 7, saying it had “a high level of confidence” and enough proof to say the Syrian regime was behind chemical attacks.France on Saturday released its assessment of what happened in the Syrian town of Douma on April 7, saying it had “a high level of confidence” and enough proof to say the Syrian regime was behind chemical attacks.
A French official said the assessment that had been released was based on declassified information and intelligence-gathering.A French official said the assessment that had been released was based on declassified information and intelligence-gathering.
The US has claimed it has “a large body” of evidence pointing to the Assad regime’s responsibility for the 7 April chemical attack on Douma, including eyewitness sightings of helicopters dropping barrel bombs on Douma, and “reliable intelligence” that Syrian military officials coordinated the attack.The US has claimed it has “a large body” of evidence pointing to the Assad regime’s responsibility for the 7 April chemical attack on Douma, including eyewitness sightings of helicopters dropping barrel bombs on Douma, and “reliable intelligence” that Syrian military officials coordinated the attack.
You can read more on US moves to provide evidence here:You can read more on US moves to provide evidence here:
Theresa May said the airstrikes against Syria were “right and legal” - watch the video here.Theresa May said the airstrikes against Syria were “right and legal” - watch the video here.
Caroline Lucas, the leader of the Green Party, has said air strikes will do “nothing to increase chances of peace”.Caroline Lucas, the leader of the Green Party, has said air strikes will do “nothing to increase chances of peace”.
Air strikes on #Syria have done nothing to increase chances of peace so far & no evidence they’ll do so now. We need consistent foreign policy - stronger sanctions, more peace building, end arms sales to Saudi Arabia etc - and it needs to be set by parliament not US President https://t.co/fW79zwjBPxAir strikes on #Syria have done nothing to increase chances of peace so far & no evidence they’ll do so now. We need consistent foreign policy - stronger sanctions, more peace building, end arms sales to Saudi Arabia etc - and it needs to be set by parliament not US President https://t.co/fW79zwjBPx
The North Atlantic Council (NAC) - the principal political decision-making body of Nato - is to hold a meeting this afternoon to discuss the airstrikes.The North Atlantic Council (NAC) - the principal political decision-making body of Nato - is to hold a meeting this afternoon to discuss the airstrikes.
A Nato official: “There will be a meeting of the North Atlantic Council this afternoon. France, the United Kingdom and the United States will brief Allies on actions taken in Syria.”A Nato official: “There will be a meeting of the North Atlantic Council this afternoon. France, the United Kingdom and the United States will brief Allies on actions taken in Syria.”
Jens Stoltenberg, Nato secretary general, has said he supports the actions taken by US, UK and France.Jens Stoltenberg, Nato secretary general, has said he supports the actions taken by US, UK and France.
I support the actions taken by the United States, the United Kingdom and France against the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons facilities and capabilities.I support the actions taken by the United States, the United Kingdom and France against the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons facilities and capabilities.
This will reduce the regime’s ability to further attack the people of Syria with chemical weapons.This will reduce the regime’s ability to further attack the people of Syria with chemical weapons.
Nato has consistently condemned Syria’s continued use of chemical weapons as a clear breach of international norms and agreements.Nato has consistently condemned Syria’s continued use of chemical weapons as a clear breach of international norms and agreements.
The use of chemical weapons is unacceptable, and those responsible must be held accountable.NATO considers the use of chemical weapons as a threat to international peace and security, and believes that it is essential to protect the Chemical Weapons Convention. This calls for a collective and effective response by the international community.The use of chemical weapons is unacceptable, and those responsible must be held accountable.NATO considers the use of chemical weapons as a threat to international peace and security, and believes that it is essential to protect the Chemical Weapons Convention. This calls for a collective and effective response by the international community.
France on Saturday released its assessment of what happened in the Syrian town of Douma on April 7, saying it had “a high level of confidence” and enough proof to say the Syrian regime was behind chemical attacks.France on Saturday released its assessment of what happened in the Syrian town of Douma on April 7, saying it had “a high level of confidence” and enough proof to say the Syrian regime was behind chemical attacks.
A French official said the assessment that had been released was based on declassified information and intelligence-gathering.A French official said the assessment that had been released was based on declassified information and intelligence-gathering.
The assessment cites “the absence at this point of chemical samples analysed by our own laboratories”. The French official said samples could be analysed at a later time. The French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told French TV on Saturday that French services were analysing samples taken in Douma. Le Drian said: “There’s chlorine, that’s certain.”The assessment cites “the absence at this point of chemical samples analysed by our own laboratories”. The French official said samples could be analysed at a later time. The French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told French TV on Saturday that French services were analysing samples taken in Douma. Le Drian said: “There’s chlorine, that’s certain.”
Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said Theresa May should have sought Parliamentary approval for action.Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said Theresa May should have sought Parliamentary approval for action.
Riding the coattails of an erratic US President is no substitute for a mandate from the House of Commons.Riding the coattails of an erratic US President is no substitute for a mandate from the House of Commons.
The Prime Minister could and should have recalled Parliament this week and sought the approval of MPs before proceeding.The Prime Minister could and should have recalled Parliament this week and sought the approval of MPs before proceeding.
Liberal Democrats stood ready to assess the evidence and objectives for any action and, if it were properly planned and justified, to support a military response.Liberal Democrats stood ready to assess the evidence and objectives for any action and, if it were properly planned and justified, to support a military response.
At this moment our thoughts are with British and allied troops. But the Government’s decision fatally undermines the integrity of this mission. It shows a weak Government putting short term political expediency before democracy and in so doing further diminishing the standing of Britain in the world.At this moment our thoughts are with British and allied troops. But the Government’s decision fatally undermines the integrity of this mission. It shows a weak Government putting short term political expediency before democracy and in so doing further diminishing the standing of Britain in the world.
Guardian associate editor has written a comment piece on the Syrian airstrikes. He writesGuardian associate editor has written a comment piece on the Syrian airstrikes. He writes
Enough to show they are serious. Not enough for it to get out of control. That, in essence, seems to be the initial lesson of the missile attacks launched on Syria this morning by the US, France and Britain.Enough to show they are serious. Not enough for it to get out of control. That, in essence, seems to be the initial lesson of the missile attacks launched on Syria this morning by the US, France and Britain.
Read more:Read more:
French defence ministry sources said France fired 12 missiles in coordinated air and sea strikes.
First, cruise missiles were fired from frigates in the Mediterranean, and then, 20 minutes later missiles were fired from several French fighter jets which had taken off from airbases in France and were now back at base.
The French naval vessels involved in the strikes have now left the area and headed west. The French operation lasted 10 hours. “The operation is over, the French aircraft are back,” a French defence source said.
The Democratic Unionist Party backed May’s decision.
Deputy leader and North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds MP said: “First and foremost we salute the courage of our brave servicemen and women. They have carried out their duty with typical discipline and valour.
“The Prime Minister has the full authority, on the basis of all the information at her disposal, to order the type of military action which has been carried out this morning and we reject any suggestion that she was not entitled to do so.
“We are reassured that the military action is strictly targeted and limited in its purpose. Also that it is not about a wider intervention in the Syrian civil war which would, in our view, be counter productive.
“Given the context of the recent international response to the use of a nerve agent in the UK, the clear targeed purpose of the strikes, and the repeated blocking by Russia of diplomatic solutions through the UN, we believe the Prime Minister was justified in standing with our American and French allies in this concerted action.”
Former UK prime minister, David Cameron, has declared his support for the airstrikes in Syria.
I firmly support the military action taken in Syria. The barbaric & intolerable use of chemical weapons should never go unchecked. As we have seen in the past, inaction has its consequences - so PM right to join forces with our allies to take targeted & appropriate action. 1/2
My thoughts are with our brave servicemen & women who have been called to duty. Let the message go out loud & clear: the use of chemical weapons is never acceptable. 2/2
The US has launched air strikes alongside UK and French forces aimed at reducing Syrian regime’s chemical weapons facilities in the wake of last weekend’s gas attack on the Damascus suburb of Douma.
Moments after US president Donald Trump concluded his address on Friday night about 2am BST, reports emerged of explosions in Syria. A Pentagon briefing later confirmed three sites were hit: two in Damascus and one in Homs. The sites were all regarded as linked to the storage, or testing, of chemical weapons. Syrian air defences responded to the strikes but the US said it had suffered no losses in the initial air strikes.
Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, said the airstrikes were an “act of aggression” and would worsen the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
Trump said the attack in Douma a week ago represented “a significant escalation in a pattern of chemical weapons use” by the Assad regime. He said: “We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents.”
The British prime minister, Theresa May, said she authorised targeted strikes to “degrade the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons capability and deter their use”. Taking a swipe at Russia, she said: “We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised – within Syria, on the streets of the UK, or anywhere else in our world. We would have preferred an alternative path. But on this occasion there is none.”
May addressed journalists at 10 Downing Street on Saturday morning, reiterating comments made in her statement.
The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has called the airstrikes “legally questionable” and said May should have sought parliamentary approval for the strikes.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence said four Tornado jets flew from Cyprus as part of the strikes on Homs. The UK defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, said the UK involvement has been successful.
The US defence secretary, James Mattis, said the US, UK and France had taken “decisive action” against Syria’s chemical weapon infrastructure and did not rule out further strikes. “Clearly the Assad regime did not get the message” last time, he said, referring to the response to the Ghouta chemical attack in 2017. He said the allies had “gone to great length to avoid civil and foreign casualties”.
French president Emmanuel Macron said the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime posed an “immediate danger for the Syrian people and our collective security.”
The Spanish foreign ministry described the strikes as a “legitimate and proportional” response to the Syrian regime’s use of chemical weapons against the civilian population.
“A chemical weapons attack is a crime against humanity,” it said. “Those responsible for this and previous attacks must be brought to justice. We regret the Security Council’s paralysis on this issue. We always prefer concerted international action to unilateral action. But when the latter is taken, it must be proportional, as it has been on this occasion.”
In remarks apparently directed at the Russian government, the statement went on: “Those who support the Syrian regime must exert all the necessary pressure to avoid attacks against the civilian population. The continuing violations of the ceasefire are not acceptable. But the use of chemical weapons is a qualitatively different issue and a matter of extreme gravity. Sadly this is not the first time but we hope it will be the last.”
The Spanish government said that only a UN-supervised political transition would bring peace to Syria: “Spain wholeheartedly supports that transition as the only way to put an end to the images we have seen over recent days of children dying amid atrocious suffering. Nothing can justify something like that.”
Israel has said the strikes were an “important signal” to Iran, Syria and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
“The use of chemical weapons crosses a red line that humanity can no longer tolerate,” Yoav Gallant, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, said on Twitter.
“The American attack is an important signal to the axis of evil - Iran, Syria and Hezbollah,” he added.
There have been concerns expressed among high-level security figures in Israel that the country could be targetted by Iran, Syria or Iran’s proxy, Hezbollah, following US strikes.
As May was speaking, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has issued a statement in which he says the use of chemical weapons is “unacceptable in any circumstances”.
Last night, France, the United Kingdom and the United States responded in a coordinated military action to the heinous chemical weapons attack carried out by the Syrian regime against civilians in Douma on 7 April.
As the European Commission has stated, the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable in any circumstances and must be condemned in the strongest terms. The international community has the responsibility to identify and hold accountable those responsible of any attack with chemical weapons.
This was not the first time that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons against civilians but it must be the last.
As it enters its 8th year of conflict, Syria desperately needs a lasting ceasefire respected by all parties that paves the way for achieving a negotiated political solution through the United Nations-led Geneva process, to bring peace to the country once and for all. After the suffering they have endured, Syrians deserve nothing less.
The use of chemical weapons is unacceptable in any circumstances and must be condemned in the strongest terms. The international community has the responsibility to identify and hold accountable those responsible of any attack with chemical weapons. #Syria pic.twitter.com/beF6IEirEP
Pressed on the role of Parliament and future votes on further military action, May said she thought the action was “the right thing to do” and was about “degradation of chemical weapons”.
Asked if the current scenario shows the vote in 2013 to take no action against Syria was a mistake, she said: “I voted to take action in 2013. When the Government put that to Parliament we felt it was the right thing to do.”
She said promises were made by the Syrian regime at the time which were subsequently not kept.
Asked why UK did not wait “one or two days” for formal proof from chemical weapons investigators, May said the recent attack in Douma was not the only one that has taken place. The reason for UK action was not just the events in Douma but also earlier attacks.
“All the indications were this was a chemical weapons attack at the hands of the Syrian regime,” she said.
Given the failure of all diplomatic efforts so far, what is the plan following these strikes?
May says diplomatic efforts so far have not had “the impact we wish it would have”. “We’ve now taken military action and alongside that we will renew diplomatic efforts as well,” she adds.
Asked if UK spoke to Russia before the strikes took place, May said it did not.