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Syria: 'Mission accomplished,' says Trump after overnight strikes – live updates Syria: 'Mission accomplished,' says Trump after overnight strikes – live updates
(35 minutes later)
McKenzie says Russian air defence systems were not deployed. There were no agreements with Russia in advance, he adds.
No Syrian had any impact on anything the US, UK or French forces did, he says.
The Syrian regime knows US was looking at targets so possible some personnel may have left the facilities targeted, McKenzie say. However, the attacks were launched at 3am local time so unlikely many people there.
Lt Gen McKenzie said “as of now” US not aware of any civilian casualties.
He tells reporters that US belives there were chemical weapons and nerve agents stored on the Barzah research site, that was destroyed by airstrikes.
He said the attacks were launched in such a way as to minimise any fallout by way of dispersal of chemicals into the air.
The chief pentagon spokesperson, Dana W White, is giving an update alongside Lt Gen Kenneth McKenzie, the director of the Joint Staff (DJS), a senior military adviser to the US president.
White said the attacks were not an attempt to depose the Assad regime and do not signify a shift in US policy.
McKenzie took reporters through the airstrikes, saying 105 weapons were deployed against targets. He said the strikes will deter use of chemical weapons in the future.
Theresa May’s argument for bombing in Syria is “nonsensical” argues Andrew Adonis, the Labour peer, in the Guardian.Theresa May’s argument for bombing in Syria is “nonsensical” argues Andrew Adonis, the Labour peer, in the Guardian.
Theresa May’s essential argument that the bombing in Syria in the early hours of Saturday was “strong enough to deter but weak enough not to provoke the Russians” is so obviously nonsensical it explains why she didn’t wish to make it in parliament.Theresa May’s essential argument that the bombing in Syria in the early hours of Saturday was “strong enough to deter but weak enough not to provoke the Russians” is so obviously nonsensical it explains why she didn’t wish to make it in parliament.
This was “gesture bombing” of carefully selected second-order military installations, to be seen to be doing something – but not too much – in response to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s apparent chemical weapons attack, enabled by the Russians, on civilians in the Damascus enclave of Douma last week.This was “gesture bombing” of carefully selected second-order military installations, to be seen to be doing something – but not too much – in response to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s apparent chemical weapons attack, enabled by the Russians, on civilians in the Damascus enclave of Douma last week.
Read more here:Read more here:
The US president is awake and tweeting.The US president is awake and tweeting.
A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!
So proud of our great Military which will soon be, after the spending of billions of fully approved dollars, the finest that our Country has ever had. There won’t be anything, or anyone, even close!So proud of our great Military which will soon be, after the spending of billions of fully approved dollars, the finest that our Country has ever had. There won’t be anything, or anyone, even close!
Egypt is the latest country to issue a response to the US-led strikes in Syria, expressing its “deep concern” over further military escalation in the region.Egypt is the latest country to issue a response to the US-led strikes in Syria, expressing its “deep concern” over further military escalation in the region.
Without specifically mentioning the overnight missile strikes, Egypt’s foreign ministry rejected the use of internationally banned weapons on Syrian territory and demanded a transparent international investigation into last Saturday’s use of chemical weapons, Reuters reported.Without specifically mentioning the overnight missile strikes, Egypt’s foreign ministry rejected the use of internationally banned weapons on Syrian territory and demanded a transparent international investigation into last Saturday’s use of chemical weapons, Reuters reported.
“The Arab Republic of Egypt expresses its solidarity with the brotherly Syrian people in their aspirations to live in security and stability,” the ministry said in a statement.“The Arab Republic of Egypt expresses its solidarity with the brotherly Syrian people in their aspirations to live in security and stability,” the ministry said in a statement.
It called for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis and efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those affected by the conflict.It called for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis and efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those affected by the conflict.
Our Middle East reporter, Mona Mahmood, has spoken to Fahad Alqadi, a 46-year-old lawyer from rebel held Idlib in northern Syria about the attacks.Our Middle East reporter, Mona Mahmood, has spoken to Fahad Alqadi, a 46-year-old lawyer from rebel held Idlib in northern Syria about the attacks.
He said:He said:
I believe this US airstrike against Bashar Al-Assad is the only choice left for the world to stop his crimes against the Syrian people. All talks and conferences proved to be futile.I believe this US airstrike against Bashar Al-Assad is the only choice left for the world to stop his crimes against the Syrian people. All talks and conferences proved to be futile.
We do not want a war that might destroy Syria, which is already destroyed by the Russians and Iranians. We want diplomatic pressures to force Bashar and Shia militias to leave Syria and let the Syrian people live like any normal people in the world. The message of the US-led airstrikes is that US, UK and France can act without getting the approval of the Russians and this is a very important turning point in the Syrian crisis.We do not want a war that might destroy Syria, which is already destroyed by the Russians and Iranians. We want diplomatic pressures to force Bashar and Shia militias to leave Syria and let the Syrian people live like any normal people in the world. The message of the US-led airstrikes is that US, UK and France can act without getting the approval of the Russians and this is a very important turning point in the Syrian crisis.
The Russians have been manipulating the Syrian cause for more than two years with the Iranians and blocking any international act against the massacres committed by the Syrian regime.This is a message to the Russian president, not to Bashar that Syria is not one of his properties.The Russians have been manipulating the Syrian cause for more than two years with the Iranians and blocking any international act against the massacres committed by the Syrian regime.This is a message to the Russian president, not to Bashar that Syria is not one of his properties.
We are in support of any military or diplomatic attempt that can force Bashar to leave and end the suffering of the Syrian people. War is the worst choice because the result might be disastrous, but we have lost hope that the Syrian regime would response to any diplomatic solutions. I hope the pressure will continue and this airstrike is only the beginning.We are in support of any military or diplomatic attempt that can force Bashar to leave and end the suffering of the Syrian people. War is the worst choice because the result might be disastrous, but we have lost hope that the Syrian regime would response to any diplomatic solutions. I hope the pressure will continue and this airstrike is only the beginning.
The UN security council will meet at 4pm UK time in New York to discuss the overnight missile strikes on Syria at the request of Russia.The UN security council will meet at 4pm UK time in New York to discuss the overnight missile strikes on Syria at the request of Russia.
Meanwhile, the Russian news agency RIA are reporting that Moscow is in touch with the US and other countries about the attack and is interested in cooperation with Washington on Syria, deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday.Meanwhile, the Russian news agency RIA are reporting that Moscow is in touch with the US and other countries about the attack and is interested in cooperation with Washington on Syria, deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has written to Theresa May questioning the legality of this morning’s missile strikes in Syria, and has asked the PM to publish the legal advice she received from the attorney general in relation to the attack.Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has written to Theresa May questioning the legality of this morning’s missile strikes in Syria, and has asked the PM to publish the legal advice she received from the attorney general in relation to the attack.
In the letter, he writes “the UK prime minister is accountable to parliament, not the whims of the US president”, and calls for the UK to lead diplomatic engagement with all parties involved in the Syrian conflict to end the violence.In the letter, he writes “the UK prime minister is accountable to parliament, not the whims of the US president”, and calls for the UK to lead diplomatic engagement with all parties involved in the Syrian conflict to end the violence.
The Press Association are reporting that Downing Street will release a summary of the legal advice it received about the strikes later on Saturday, according to unnamed sources.The Press Association are reporting that Downing Street will release a summary of the legal advice it received about the strikes later on Saturday, according to unnamed sources.
Here is the full letter:Here is the full letter:
Dear Prime Minister,Dear Prime Minister,
I want to thank you for speaking to me last night regarding the bombing raids in Syria overnight, and for the security briefing you shared.I want to thank you for speaking to me last night regarding the bombing raids in Syria overnight, and for the security briefing you shared.
I am very glad that all British military personnel have returned home safely, and hope too that there have been no civilian casualties in Syria.I am very glad that all British military personnel have returned home safely, and hope too that there have been no civilian casualties in Syria.
As I said I believe that Parliament should have been consulted and voted on the matter. The UK Prime Minister is accountable to Parliament, not to the whims of a US President.As I said I believe that Parliament should have been consulted and voted on the matter. The UK Prime Minister is accountable to Parliament, not to the whims of a US President.
I believe the action was legally questionable, and this morning the UN Secretary General has said as much, reiterating that all countries must act in line with the UN Charter. You assured me that the Attorney General had given clear legal advice approving the action. I would therefore be grateful if you would publish this advice in full today.I believe the action was legally questionable, and this morning the UN Secretary General has said as much, reiterating that all countries must act in line with the UN Charter. You assured me that the Attorney General had given clear legal advice approving the action. I would therefore be grateful if you would publish this advice in full today.
Given that neither the UN nor the OPCW has yet investigated, it is clear that diplomatic and non-military means have not been fully exhausted.Given that neither the UN nor the OPCW has yet investigated, it is clear that diplomatic and non-military means have not been fully exhausted.
It is now vitally important that the OPCW inspectors, who are due to arrive in Douma today, are allowed to do their work and publish their report into their findings – and report to the United Nations Security Council.It is now vitally important that the OPCW inspectors, who are due to arrive in Douma today, are allowed to do their work and publish their report into their findings – and report to the United Nations Security Council.
I would therefore welcome your assurance that there will be no further bombing raids while OPCW inspectors are on the ground. They must be allowed to complete their inspections without hindrance.I would therefore welcome your assurance that there will be no further bombing raids while OPCW inspectors are on the ground. They must be allowed to complete their inspections without hindrance.
Acting through the United Nations, I believe Britain should now take a diplomatic lead to negotiate a pause in this abhorrent conflict in which hundreds of thousands of Syrians have already been killed and millions displaced. The refugee crisis places a responsibility on all countries and I the government will now increase its commitment to take additional refugees. Hundreds of unaccompanied children remain in Europe and the UK must do more through the Dubs amendment.This means engaging with all parties that are involved in the conflict – including Iran, Israel, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the US – to ensure there is an immediate ceasefire. We have the grotesque spectacle of a wider geopolitical proxy battle being waged with the Syrian people used as pawns by all sides.Acting through the United Nations, I believe Britain should now take a diplomatic lead to negotiate a pause in this abhorrent conflict in which hundreds of thousands of Syrians have already been killed and millions displaced. The refugee crisis places a responsibility on all countries and I the government will now increase its commitment to take additional refugees. Hundreds of unaccompanied children remain in Europe and the UK must do more through the Dubs amendment.This means engaging with all parties that are involved in the conflict – including Iran, Israel, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the US – to ensure there is an immediate ceasefire. We have the grotesque spectacle of a wider geopolitical proxy battle being waged with the Syrian people used as pawns by all sides.
I would welcome your assurance that Britain will embark on renewed diplomatic efforts to end this conflict. Our only priority must be the safety and security of the Syrian people – which is best served by de-escalating this conflict, so that aid can get in.I would welcome your assurance that Britain will embark on renewed diplomatic efforts to end this conflict. Our only priority must be the safety and security of the Syrian people – which is best served by de-escalating this conflict, so that aid can get in.
Yours sincerely,Yours sincerely,
Jeremy Corbyn MPJeremy Corbyn MP
Leader of the OppositionLeader of the Opposition
Our middle east reporter, Mona Mahmood, has spoken to a resident of Damascus about his experience overnight.Our middle east reporter, Mona Mahmood, has spoken to a resident of Damascus about his experience overnight.
Hussam Youis, 27, said:Hussam Youis, 27, said:
We thought Trump’s threats were empty words as he was late in implementing them and that is why we went to bed as usual, only to wake up suddenly at the drastic sounds of the explosions.We thought Trump’s threats were empty words as he was late in implementing them and that is why we went to bed as usual, only to wake up suddenly at the drastic sounds of the explosions.
I ran at 4am with my family to a nearby shelter built in a school to find lots of people who were already there, with their terrified children.I ran at 4am with my family to a nearby shelter built in a school to find lots of people who were already there, with their terrified children.
Some of these rockets deviated of their main targeted and fell on the houses of the civilians.Some of these rockets deviated of their main targeted and fell on the houses of the civilians.
The pretext of the chemical attack against Douma is a blatant lie used by Trump and other states who are in support of him to attack Syria.The pretext of the chemical attack against Douma is a blatant lie used by Trump and other states who are in support of him to attack Syria.
This vicious act won’t change anything on the ground, as Syrian people who have been fighting terrorism for more than seven years a couple of rockets would not frighten us. They make us stronger and more adhered to our leadership.This vicious act won’t change anything on the ground, as Syrian people who have been fighting terrorism for more than seven years a couple of rockets would not frighten us. They make us stronger and more adhered to our leadership.
This aggression proves to us that the US has always been against us and the west is acting against the will of the Syrian people. It is an immoral act and for the interest of some other states.This aggression proves to us that the US has always been against us and the west is acting against the will of the Syrian people. It is an immoral act and for the interest of some other states.
A few hours after the aggression, which last more than an hour, many demonstrations marched in Damascus to denounce the US aggression and support our leadership. Some of the protesters were holding parts of the rockets.A few hours after the aggression, which last more than an hour, many demonstrations marched in Damascus to denounce the US aggression and support our leadership. Some of the protesters were holding parts of the rockets.
Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has said this morning’s missile strikes by the US, UK and France will only increase his country’s resolve to fight terrorism during a phone conversation with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani.Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has said this morning’s missile strikes by the US, UK and France will only increase his country’s resolve to fight terrorism during a phone conversation with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani.
The Syrian leader accused western nations of supporting terrorism, and the Iranian president reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Syrian regime, according to the Syrian presidency.The Syrian leader accused western nations of supporting terrorism, and the Iranian president reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Syrian regime, according to the Syrian presidency.
Earlier today, the Syrian Presidency’s Twitter account posted a video of Assad arriving at work following the overnight raids.Earlier today, the Syrian Presidency’s Twitter account posted a video of Assad arriving at work following the overnight raids.
صباح الصمود..رئاسة الجمهورية العربية السورية pic.twitter.com/hhIZT6cOTeصباح الصمود..رئاسة الجمهورية العربية السورية pic.twitter.com/hhIZT6cOTe
Here’s the full text of Theresa May’s speech on airstrikes in Syria:Here’s the full text of Theresa May’s speech on airstrikes in Syria:
Labour and Conservative leaders in Scotland have reacted to the airstrikes.Labour and Conservative leaders in Scotland have reacted to the airstrikes.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said:Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said:
Last night’s airstrikes were targeted at the Syrian regime’s chemical weapon facilities and in direct response to the chemical attack on Syria’s civilian population in Douma last week.Last night’s airstrikes were targeted at the Syrian regime’s chemical weapon facilities and in direct response to the chemical attack on Syria’s civilian population in Douma last week.
While carried out by UK, US and French military personnel, the strikes have the express support of the EU and Nato, as well as the governments of Canada, Australia and Germany, among others.While carried out by UK, US and French military personnel, the strikes have the express support of the EU and Nato, as well as the governments of Canada, Australia and Germany, among others.
The international community recognises that chemical weapons cannot be used with impunity, and that last night’s targeted action will degrade the ability of the Assad regime to further develop and deploy chemical weapons in future.The international community recognises that chemical weapons cannot be used with impunity, and that last night’s targeted action will degrade the ability of the Assad regime to further develop and deploy chemical weapons in future.
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said:Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said:
Just two days ago Theresa May met with her cabinet to discuss Syria – today we wake to the news that she has been led by Donald Trump into airstrikes, dangerously escalating an already devastating conflict.Just two days ago Theresa May met with her cabinet to discuss Syria – today we wake to the news that she has been led by Donald Trump into airstrikes, dangerously escalating an already devastating conflict.
Despite having no majority, there has been no consultation with parliament on any military action, and no agreement with the UN.Despite having no majority, there has been no consultation with parliament on any military action, and no agreement with the UN.
Political avenues should be exhausted before such a serious step is ever taken, yet the prime minister has been rushed into legally, morally and democratically questionable air strikes at the behest of Donald Trump.Political avenues should be exhausted before such a serious step is ever taken, yet the prime minister has been rushed into legally, morally and democratically questionable air strikes at the behest of Donald Trump.
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will continue its mission in Douma following reports of a chemical weapons attack, it has said.The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will continue its mission in Douma following reports of a chemical weapons attack, it has said.
In a statement, the organisation said:In a statement, the organisation said:
The Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will continue its deployment to the Syrian Arab Republic to establish facts around the allegations of chemical weapons use in Douma.The Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will continue its deployment to the Syrian Arab Republic to establish facts around the allegations of chemical weapons use in Douma.
The OPCW has been working in close collaboration with the United Nations department of safety and security to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the team.The OPCW has been working in close collaboration with the United Nations department of safety and security to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the team.
🔴BREAKING: #OPCW continues to deploy Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) to Syria. Learn more: https://t.co/1GzTGFh6zt pic.twitter.com/Lu5IHbkUEo🔴BREAKING: #OPCW continues to deploy Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) to Syria. Learn more: https://t.co/1GzTGFh6zt pic.twitter.com/Lu5IHbkUEo
Syrian state TV shows people walking around a hole in the ground in a suburb of Homs said to be caused by the airstrikes carried out against Syria by the US, UK and France. Video here:Syrian state TV shows people walking around a hole in the ground in a suburb of Homs said to be caused by the airstrikes carried out against Syria by the US, UK and France. Video here:
Speaking in Yorkshire, Jeremy Corbyn said he would support calls for a new UN resolution and “bring Russia and US together along with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey, all the neighbouring states”.Speaking in Yorkshire, Jeremy Corbyn said he would support calls for a new UN resolution and “bring Russia and US together along with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey, all the neighbouring states”.
This civil war is ghastly. It’s killed hundreds of thousands. It’s driven millions into refuge in other countries and the chemical weapons are obviously appalling and disgusting and completely illegal within international war.This civil war is ghastly. It’s killed hundreds of thousands. It’s driven millions into refuge in other countries and the chemical weapons are obviously appalling and disgusting and completely illegal within international war.
Asked about the consequences of taking action in Syria without legal authority, Corbyn said:Asked about the consequences of taking action in Syria without legal authority, Corbyn said:
The consequences of any country taking unilateral action that has no legal basis are that it’s an encouragement for others to do exactly the same and reduces our ability to complain when others do that.The consequences of any country taking unilateral action that has no legal basis are that it’s an encouragement for others to do exactly the same and reduces our ability to complain when others do that.
Surely the United Nations exists for a purpose. If the security council was unable to come to an agreement this week, as it obviously wasn’t because the US and Russia couldn’t agree on anything, then surely the role of another country, us for example, is to be an honest broker and try and bring them together. This war cannot go on.Surely the United Nations exists for a purpose. If the security council was unable to come to an agreement this week, as it obviously wasn’t because the US and Russia couldn’t agree on anything, then surely the role of another country, us for example, is to be an honest broker and try and bring them together. This war cannot go on.
Corbyn said weapons inspectors should have been allowed to complete their work.Corbyn said weapons inspectors should have been allowed to complete their work.
She (May) has used the argument that by bombing those sites it would prevent any other chemical weapons being used. I would just simply say to her the weapons inspectors were on their way to her to verify it.She (May) has used the argument that by bombing those sites it would prevent any other chemical weapons being used. I would just simply say to her the weapons inspectors were on their way to her to verify it.
In 2013, Lavrov (Sergei, Russian foreign minister) and Kerry (John, former secretary of state) on behalf of Russia and US, reached an agreement, and did destroy a large amount of chemical weapons. There is precedent that this process can work.In 2013, Lavrov (Sergei, Russian foreign minister) and Kerry (John, former secretary of state) on behalf of Russia and US, reached an agreement, and did destroy a large amount of chemical weapons. There is precedent that this process can work.
Surely it would be better to do that and start bombing, goodness knows, what the consequences of that bombing could be. I’m glad that no service personnel were killed or injured during this we don’t know if there were any civilian or other casualties yet.Surely it would be better to do that and start bombing, goodness knows, what the consequences of that bombing could be. I’m glad that no service personnel were killed or injured during this we don’t know if there were any civilian or other casualties yet.
Asked how the airstrikes were illegal, Corbyn replied:Asked how the airstrikes were illegal, Corbyn replied:
You could only do it on the basis of self defence if there was a direct threat to us and there wasn’t.You could only do it on the basis of self defence if there was a direct threat to us and there wasn’t.
The Russian military has claimed that the Syrian air defences, whose most modern weapon is a three-decades-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.The Russian military has claimed that the Syrian air defences, whose most modern weapon is a three-decades-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 further 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.As further 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.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”.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.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.Video footage that emerged in the aftermath of the strikes appeared to show air defence missiles being launched.
Read more:Read more: