After a deadly chemical attack in Syria, the US fired 59 Tomahawk missiles at a Syrian airbase it believes was involved in the attack. This airbase, used by both Syria and its ally Russia, was severely damaged, though Russia’s forces were given a brief warning and reportedly had no casualties. The strike aimed to cripple Syria’s ability to use chemical weapons again, but it has sparked tension between the US and Russia, with both sides trading accusations and denouncements. The attack also highlights growing international friction and the complexities of modern warfare.
What’s the Deal with Shayrat Airbase?
The Shayrat airbase, which was hit by the US missiles, is not just used by Syrian forces. Russia, a close ally of Syria, also has troops stationed there. Russia has been using the base since late 2015 to fight ISIS and has invested heavily in its development. The base houses various aircraft, including older Soviet models, and has around 45 to 50 protected hangars.
How Much Did Russia Know?
The US gave Russia a brief warning before the attack. It’s unclear whether this short notice allowed Russian or Syrian forces to move their people and equipment. Syria reported that six people died in the strikes, but there have been no reports of Russian casualties.
Damage Assessment
According to Syria, the missile strikes caused significant damage. The US says that 58 out of the 59 missiles hit their targets, heavily damaging or destroying them. The exact extent of the damage is still being assessed with more detailed tools like satellites.
Chemical Weapons and the Airbase
The US suspects that the airbase stored materials for making sarin gas, a deadly chemical weapon. US officials made sure the missiles avoided any potential chemical weapons storage. The goal of the strikes was to punish Syria for the gas attack and to deter future use of chemical weapons. The Pentagon believes the strike damaged Syrian aircraft and infrastructure, reducing their ability to use chemical weapons.
Syria’s Response
Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad condemned the US strikes as unjust and narrow-minded. The Syrian government claimed that the attack would hurt their fight against terrorist groups and accused the US of supporting these groups indirectly.
Russia’s Reaction
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin criticized the US strikes as a violation of international law and a blow to US-Russia relations. Russia’s government argued that Syria had no chemical weapons and suggested that the US attack was based on false pretenses. In response, Russia plans to enhance its air defense systems in Syria, though some experts believe Russia already has adequate defenses in place.
Overall, this event has intensified tensions between the US, Syria, and Russia, each side blaming the other and preparing for potential future confrontations.
