Haley said the U.S. and its allies “acted, not as revenge” but to “deter the future use of chemical weapons by holding the Syrian regime responsible for its atrocities against humanity”.
The Pentagon said there had been chemical weapons agents at one of the targets, and that, although there were other parts to Syria’s chemical weapons system, the strikes had significantly crippled its ability to produce such weapons.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a ceremony to receive credentials from foreign ambassadors at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia April 11, 2018.
After May met with her Cabinet, a spokesperson issued a statement saying it is highly likely that Syria’s President Bashar Assad was responsible for Saturday’s attack that killed dozens outside Damascus. Damascus denies that the alleged chemical attack took place.
The DUP has backed Prime Minister Theresa May’s decision to authorise air strikes in Syria. Guterres renewed his call for an investigation to identify the perpetrators of chemical weapons attacks after Russian Federation this week vetoed a U.S. proposal to create such a mechanism.
“If Russia had lived up to its commitment, there would be no chemical weapons in Syria and we would not be here today”, Haley said.
The new diplomatic push came after a stormy security council meeting called by Russian Federation, which branded the military action an “aggression” against Syria and sought condemnation.
Trump tweeted, “A perfectly executed strike last night”.
The United States, along with the United Kingdom and France, launched coordinated air strikes Friday evening on Syria’s chemical weapons capabilities in response to an alleged chemical attack. He said there were “no reports of losses” on USA and allies.
Both Russia and Iran condemned the airstrikes.
This type of behavior has become a pattern for the Assad regime and I sincerely hope last night’s strikes reinforce our determination to confront those who would use chemical weapons.
– Syrian state TV called the attacks a “blatant violation of worldwide law and shows contempt for global legitimacy”.
A draft resolution circulated by the three countries would condemn all use of chemical weapons, especially the April 7 attack in Douma.
“We are prepared to sustain this pressure, if the Syrian regime is foolish enough to test our will”, she said.
The Pentagon briefing that followed echoed a similar sentiment, with claims the effect of the targeted bombing in Dumascas will set back the Assad-regime chemical weapons programme back years.
Military strikes hit three targets: a warfare technology center and two chemical weapons facilities.