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Syria latest: Russia warns of 'consequences' after Trump launches air strikes – live updates Syria latest: Russia warns of 'consequences' after Trump launches air strikes – live updates
(35 minutes later)
The Guardian’s Middle East reporter Kareem Shaheen on a statement issued by the Syrian military command:
The statement published by the Syrian state news agency says the “tripartite aggression” began at 3:55am Damascus time and included approximately 110 missiles fired at targets inside Syria.
It said that Syrian air defence responded and brought down the majority of the missiles, but some hit a research facility in Barzeh, which it said contained scientific labs and an educational centre, but that the US claims was a chemical weapons research facility.
The statement also said that other missiles targeting a military installation near Homs were disrupted and exploded, injuring three civilians, the first allegation of civilian casualties from the strike.
The statement says the Syrian military will continue to fight against “terrorism”.
The Associated Press is reporting protests on the streets of Damascus this morning in a show of defiance against the US:
Hundreds of Syrians gathered at landmark squares in the Syrian capital Saturday, honking their car horns, flashing victory signs and waving Syrian flags in scenes of defiance that followed unprecedented joint airstrikes by the United States, France and Britain.
“Good souls will not be humiliated,” Syria’s presidency tweeted after the airstrikes began.
Soon after the one-hour attack ended, vehicles with loudspeakers roamed the streets of Damascus blaring nationalist songs.
Hundreds of residents began gathering in the landmark Omayyad square of the Syrian capital. Many waved Syrian, Russian and Iranian flags. Some clapped their hands and danced, other drove in convoys, honking their horns in defiance.
“We are your men, Bashar,” they shouted.
Syrian state TV broadcast live from the square where a large crowd of civilians mixed with men in uniforms, including an actor, lawmakers and other figures.
“Good morning steadfastness,” one broadcaster said.
Syrian TV called the attacks a “blatant violation of international law and shows contempt for international legitimacy.”
Russia’s defence ministry has issued a statement saying “more than 100 cruise missiles and air-to-land missiles were fired by the US, Britain, and France from the sea and air at Syrian military and civilian targets”.
The statement said “a significant number” of missiles were shot down by Syrian air defences, built by the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago. No Russian air defences based in Syria were hit in the strikes, the ministry said.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has said his government (another Five Eyes member) supports the attacks on Syrian military targets.Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has said his government (another Five Eyes member) supports the attacks on Syrian military targets.
Canada supports the decision by the United States, the United Kingdom, and France to take action to degrade the Assad regime’s ability to launch chemical weapons attacks against its own people.Canada supports the decision by the United States, the United Kingdom, and France to take action to degrade the Assad regime’s ability to launch chemical weapons attacks against its own people.
We will continue to work with our international partners to further investigate the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Those responsible must be brought to justice.‎We will continue to work with our international partners to further investigate the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Those responsible must be brought to justice.‎
Welcome the news of UK military strikes against major chemical weapons facilities in Syria alongside our US and French allies. The world is united in its disgust for any use of chemical weapons, but especially against civiliansWelcome the news of UK military strikes against major chemical weapons facilities in Syria alongside our US and French allies. The world is united in its disgust for any use of chemical weapons, but especially against civilians
Donald Trump 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.Donald Trump 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 the president’s address finished, reports emerged of explosions in Damascus. 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.Moments after the president’s address finished, reports emerged of explosions in Damascus. 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.
Anatoly Antonov, the Russian ambassador to the US, said “such actions will not be left without consequences” and said Moscow was being threatened. “Insulting the president of Russia is unacceptable and inadmissible,” he added.Anatoly Antonov, the Russian ambassador to the US, said “such actions will not be left without consequences” and said Moscow was being threatened. “Insulting the president of Russia is unacceptable and inadmissible,” he added.
The US president 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 US president 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.”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.”
The UK’s Ministry of Defence said four Tornado jets flew from Cyprus as part of the strikes on Homs.The UK’s Ministry of Defence said four Tornado jets flew from Cyprus as part of the strikes on Homs.
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”.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.”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.”
Julian Borger is reporting from Washington that the US relied on a “large body” of evidence pointing towards the Assad regime’s responsibility for the chemical weapons attack on Douma.Julian Borger is reporting from Washington that the US relied on a “large body” of evidence pointing towards the Assad regime’s responsibility for the chemical weapons attack on Douma.
The evidence includes eyewitness accounts of helicopters dropping barrel bombs on the city, and “reliable intelligence’ that the attacks were co-ordinated by Syrian military officials.The evidence includes eyewitness accounts of helicopters dropping barrel bombs on the city, and “reliable intelligence’ that the attacks were co-ordinated by Syrian military officials.
Jenny Jones, Greens peerJenny Jones, Greens peer
This comment by PM is nonsense. She cannot possible be confident that tensions won't escalate! Region is complex, many players, with shifting alliances. All happening over the bodies of innocent Syrians. https://t.co/Cj9bJd7vbCThis comment by PM is nonsense. She cannot possible be confident that tensions won't escalate! Region is complex, many players, with shifting alliances. All happening over the bodies of innocent Syrians. https://t.co/Cj9bJd7vbC
Iran has warned of “regional consequences” following air strikes in Syria by a coalition of the United States, Britain, and France.Iran has warned of “regional consequences” following air strikes in Syria by a coalition of the United States, Britain, and France.
“The United States and its allies have no proof and, without even waiting for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to take a position, have carried out this military attack,” Iran’s foreign ministry in a statement.“The United States and its allies have no proof and, without even waiting for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to take a position, have carried out this military attack,” Iran’s foreign ministry in a statement.
The coalition will be “responsible for the regional consequences of this adventurist action”.The coalition will be “responsible for the regional consequences of this adventurist action”.
Iran is a key backer - alongside Russia - of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, providing military advisors and “volunteer” ground forces.Iran is a key backer - alongside Russia - of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, providing military advisors and “volunteer” ground forces.
Tehran officials have said the Western powers were using last week’s alleged chemical attack on the rebel-held stronghold of Douma as an excuse to undermine the Syrian regime’s recent advances in the long-running civil war.Tehran officials have said the Western powers were using last week’s alleged chemical attack on the rebel-held stronghold of Douma as an excuse to undermine the Syrian regime’s recent advances in the long-running civil war.
Seven Iranians were killed in an air strike on a Syrian military base on Monday, which Iran claims was carried out by Israel.Seven Iranians were killed in an air strike on a Syrian military base on Monday, which Iran claims was carried out by Israel.
The Guardian’s Paris correspondent Angelique Chrisafis:The Guardian’s Paris correspondent Angelique Chrisafis:
French foreign minister Le Drian says just now: The red line set out by Macron last year was crossed. Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons was "not acceptable"French foreign minister Le Drian says just now: The red line set out by Macron last year was crossed. Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons was "not acceptable"
#Syria French foreign minister Le Drian says the military response was "legitimate", that it targeted Syrian regime's chemical capabilities, was "proportional and targeted" to prevent "further carnage"#Syria French foreign minister Le Drian says the military response was "legitimate", that it targeted Syrian regime's chemical capabilities, was "proportional and targeted" to prevent "further carnage"
#Syria French defence minister Parly says French naval and air power was used, beginning at 3am French time. Cruise missiles from naval frigate in the Mediterranean as well as French fighter jets that left several French airbases#Syria French defence minister Parly says French naval and air power was used, beginning at 3am French time. Cruise missiles from naval frigate in the Mediterranean as well as French fighter jets that left several French airbases
Protestors on the streets of Damascus wave Russian and Syrian flags, the morning after US-led airstrikes on the capital.Protestors on the streets of Damascus wave Russian and Syrian flags, the morning after US-led airstrikes on the capital.
Russia’s foreign ministry Maria Zakharova has condemned the US over its strikes on Syria. She said the attacks hit a long-troubled country “that for many years has been trying to survive terrorist aggression”.Russia’s foreign ministry Maria Zakharova has condemned the US over its strikes on Syria. She said the attacks hit a long-troubled country “that for many years has been trying to survive terrorist aggression”.
In a statement posted to Facebook on Saturday, Zakharova also criticised the Western media for its coverage, which it says informed the White House for its attacks.In a statement posted to Facebook on Saturday, Zakharova also criticised the Western media for its coverage, which it says informed the White House for its attacks.
“The White House stated that its assuredness of the chemical attack from Damascus was based on ‘mass media, reports of symptoms, video, photos as well as credible information’. After this statement the American and other Western mass media should understand their responsibility in what is happening.”“The White House stated that its assuredness of the chemical attack from Damascus was based on ‘mass media, reports of symptoms, video, photos as well as credible information’. After this statement the American and other Western mass media should understand their responsibility in what is happening.”
Zakharova compared the situation to the start of the Iraq War in 2003 based on claims Iraq was developing weapons of mass destruction.Zakharova compared the situation to the start of the Iraq War in 2003 based on claims Iraq was developing weapons of mass destruction.
Syrian state-run TV is reporting that three civilians have been wounded in the US-led missile attack on a military base in Homs.Syrian state-run TV is reporting that three civilians have been wounded in the US-led missile attack on a military base in Homs.
Reports say the attack was largely thwarted by the derailing of incoming missiles but add that nonetheless, three people were wounded.Reports say the attack was largely thwarted by the derailing of incoming missiles but add that nonetheless, three people were wounded.
The TV network says a separate attack of “a number of missiles” - targeting a scientific research centre - destroyed a building and caused other material damage but no human losses. The network said the building in the research centre included an education centre and other laboratories.The TV network says a separate attack of “a number of missiles” - targeting a scientific research centre - destroyed a building and caused other material damage but no human losses. The network said the building in the research centre included an education centre and other laboratories.
Theresa May has spoken from No. 10 on the air strikes in Syria, drawing a direct link between the strikes and the alleged Russian nerve agent attacks in Salisbury last month.Theresa May has spoken from No. 10 on the air strikes in Syria, drawing a direct link between the strikes and the alleged Russian nerve agent attacks in Salisbury last month.
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.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.
The Guardian’s Middle East reporter Kareem Shaheen:The Guardian’s Middle East reporter Kareem Shaheen:
This is a video purporting to be from Damascus showing Syrian air defense firing at incoming missiles with the dawn call to prayer in the city in the background.This is a video purporting to be from Damascus showing Syrian air defense firing at incoming missiles with the dawn call to prayer in the city in the background.
The Syrian government will likely portray the attack as showing Syria’s steadfastness against foreign aggression, handing a win to the Assad regime.The Syrian government will likely portray the attack as showing Syria’s steadfastness against foreign aggression, handing a win to the Assad regime.
As mentioned earlier, Syrian state TV is already calling the attack the ‘tripartite aggression’, drawing a parallel to the Suez canal campaign in 1956 against Egypt, an evocative Arab nationalist moment.As mentioned earlier, Syrian state TV is already calling the attack the ‘tripartite aggression’, drawing a parallel to the Suez canal campaign in 1956 against Egypt, an evocative Arab nationalist moment.
The Syrian government is confirming that one of the attacks hit a scientific research facility in Barzeh near Damascus, which they said destroyed an education center and scientific laboratories but didn’t cause any casualties. Its description would correspond with what the US says is a chemical weapons research facility.The Syrian government is confirming that one of the attacks hit a scientific research facility in Barzeh near Damascus, which they said destroyed an education center and scientific laboratories but didn’t cause any casualties. Its description would correspond with what the US says is a chemical weapons research facility.
It is morning in Damascus. State television is broadcasting pictures of the city, showing heavy traffic, in a bid to demonstrate an apparently unperturbed city.It is morning in Damascus. State television is broadcasting pictures of the city, showing heavy traffic, in a bid to demonstrate an apparently unperturbed city.
US-led airstrikes on Syria targeted sites in the capital Damascus, and in Homs.US-led airstrikes on Syria targeted sites in the capital Damascus, and in Homs.