Syria strike: Trump says mission accomplished, thanks France, Britain
Washington, Apr 14 (IBNS): US President Donald Trump has thanked allies France and the United Kingdom for launching a coordinated strike against Syria, in response to last week's alleged chemical attack, which accounted for over 70 deaths.
"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!"the US President's tweet read.
According to reports, the US, the UK and France attacked Syria early morning on Saturday.
All three governments have confirmed the same.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May said in a statement that she "authorized British armed forces to conduct coordinated and targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian Regime's chemical weapons capability and deter their use."
French President Emmanul Macron said in his statement that "the red line had been crossed. So I ordered the French armed forces to intervene."
General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States of America, told reporters that three facilities were targeted.
These included a scientific research center in Damascus, a chemical weapons storage facility in Homs, and a chemical weapons equipment storage facility and command post near Homs.
However, Syrian state TV reported that the missiles targeting Homs were intercepted and thus wasn't allowed to cause much damage.
According to Russia's Sputnik News, the missiles fired by the coordinated front was shot down by the Syrians defence using Russian air defense systems.
Meanwhile, China has slammed the UK, US and France for carrying out the strikes.
"As always, we oppose the use of force in international relations and call for respect for other countries' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a statement.
The statement added: "Any unilateral military action bypassing the Security Council runs contrary to the purpose and principles of the UN Charter and violates the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and will further complicate the Syrian issue."
The action has also been condemned by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Russia condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack against Syria, where Russian military personnel are assisting the legitimate government in its counterterrorism efforts," his official statement read.
Taking a swipe at the US, Putin added, "Through its actions, the US makes the already catastrophic humanitarian situation in Syria even worse and brings suffering to civilians. In fact, the US panders to the terrorists who have been tormenting the Syrian people for seven years, leading to a wave of refugees fleeing this country and the region."
Image: Donald Trump/Twitter
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