April 2018 missile strikes against Syria

{{Main|Douma chemical attack|Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018)}}

{{See also|Khan Shaykhun chemical attack}}

A Syrian government offensive to recapture the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta suburb began in February 2018. The offensive was condemned by Western media and human rights organizations for its reportedly brutal humanitarian consequences.{{cite web|url=http://en.rfi.fr/middle-east/20180220-france-condemns-human-rights-violations-syrias-eastern-ghouta|title=France condemns 'human rights violations' in Syria's Eastern Ghouta|date=20 February 2018|publisher=RFI|access-date=19 June 2018|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327162145/http://en.rfi.fr/middle-east/20180220-france-condemns-human-rights-violations-syrias-eastern-ghouta|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/03/18/russia-backs-syria-unlawful-attacks-eastern-ghouta|title=Russia Backs Syria in Unlawful Attacks on Eastern Ghouta|date=18 March 2018|publisher=Human Rights Watch|access-date=19 June 2018|archive-date=12 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912050655/https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/03/18/russia-backs-syria-unlawful-attacks-eastern-ghouta|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2018/02/unfolding-humanitarian-catastrophe-in-eastern-ghouta/|title=The Unfolding Humanitarian Catastrophe in Eastern Ghouta|website=www.amnesty.org|date=26 February 2018|access-date=19 June 2018|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309055214/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2018/02/unfolding-humanitarian-catastrophe-in-eastern-ghouta/|url-status=live}} By the beginning of April, Douma was one of the last rebel enclaves remaining in the region, with rebel group Jaysh al-Islam in control of the city.{{cite news |last1=Perry |first1=Tom |last2=Bassam |first2=Laila |date=7 April 2018 |title=Syrian government launches assault on last rebel enclave in Ghouta |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-douma/syrian-government-launches-assault-on-last-rebel-enclave-in-ghouta-idUSKCN1HD1VO |access-date=19 June 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109040432/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-douma/syrian-government-launches-assault-on-last-rebel-enclave-in-ghouta-idUSKCN1HD1VO |url-status=live }} Russian and Syrian state media reported a deal between the rebel group and Russia to hand over Douma to government control.{{cite web |date=2 April 2018 |title=The Latest: Russia says rebels are leaving Syria's Douma |url=https://apnews.com/1919aa03dd8d471dbb434580111ee681 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119022027/https://apnews.com/1919aa03dd8d471dbb434580111ee681 |archive-date=19 November 2018 |publisher=AP}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta/syrian-rebel-group-begins-to-leave-last-bastion-in-eastern-ghouta-state-media-idUSKCN1H8116|title=Last eastern Ghouta rebels poised to surrender: Syrian state media|first=Suleiman|last=Al-Khalidi|date=2 April 2018|work=Reuters|access-date=19 June 2018|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025847/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta/syrian-rebel-group-begins-to-leave-last-bastion-in-eastern-ghouta-state-media-idUSKCN1H8116|url-status=live}} Other news agencies reported members of the rebel group claiming a deal had not been brokered and that Jaysh al-Islam would not surrender Douma.{{cite web |last=Issa |first=Philip |date=1 April 2018 |title=Syria: Fighters begin leaving Ghouta's last rebel-held town |url=https://apnews.com/4e7e3c95adb947c098e8d89154e35b5a |publisher=AP |access-date=19 June 2018 |archive-date=7 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307215922/https://apnews.com/4e7e3c95adb947c098e8d89154e35b5a |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Reports of Douma evacuation deal 'not true': council member |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/syria-state-media-jaish-al-islam-agrees-leave-ghouta-douma-180401115350429.html |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=19 June 2018 |archive-date=8 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408113609/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/syria-state-media-jaish-al-islam-agrees-leave-ghouta-douma-180401115350429.html |url-status=live }} What followed was a suspected chemical attack carried out in the Syrian city of Douma on 7 April 2018, with at least 70 people reported killed. One pro-opposition source said that a thousand people suffered from the effects.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43686157|title=Suspected Syria chemical attack kills 70|date=8 April 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412001321/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43686157|archive-date=12 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} The Jaysh al-Islam rebel group, which controlled Douma at the time,{{Cite news |last=Nehme |first=Dahlia |date=2018-04-08 |title=Jaish al-Islam to leave Douma in return for releasing prisoners - state TV |work=Reuters |editor-last=King |editor-first=Larry |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-agreement-idUSKBN1HF0HC |url-status=live |access-date=2023-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415124814/https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-negotiati/jaish-al-islam-to-leave-douma-in-return-for-releasing-prisoners-idUKKBN1HF09Z |archive-date=15 April 2018}} along with several medical,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta/syrian-rebels-evacuated-from-douma-reach-northwest-monitor-idUSKBN1HH19M|title=Syrian rebels evacuated from Douma reach northwest: monitor|date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411070450/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta/syrian-rebels-evacuated-from-douma-reach-northwest-monitor-idUSKBN1HH19M|archive-date=11 April 2018|url-status = live|work=Reuters|df=dmy-all}} monitoring, and activist groups, including the pro-rebel White Helmets (Syria Civil Defence), all reported that two Syrian Air Force Mi-8 helicopters had dropped barrel bombs.{{cite web |last=Lusher |first=Adam |date=8 April 2018 |title=Syrian government accused of using nerve agents as death toll from Douma 'chemical weapons attack' rises |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-chemical-weapons-attack-latest-sarin-douma-eastern-ghouta-nerve-agent-chlorine-russia-us-uk-a8294741.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412082234/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-chemical-weapons-attack-latest-sarin-douma-eastern-ghouta-nerve-agent-chlorine-russia-us-uk-a8294741.html |archive-date=12 April 2018 |website=The Independent |df=dmy-all}}{{cite news |last=Almasy |first=Steve |date=8 April 2018 |title=Dozens dead in possible gas attack in Syria; regime denies allegation |work=CNN |publisher= |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/07/middleeast/syria-suspected-chemical-attack/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412163548/https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/07/middleeast/syria-suspected-chemical-attack/index.html |archive-date=12 April 2018 }}{{cite news |last1=Loveluck |first1=Louisa |last2=Cunningham |first2=Erin |date=8 April 2018 |title=Dozens killed in apparent chemical weapons attack on civilians in Syria, rescue workers say |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/dozens-killed-in-apparent-chemical-weapons-attack-on-civilians-in-eastern-ghouta--rescue-workers/2018/04/08/231bba18-3ac0-11e8-af3c-2123715f78df_story.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412014259/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/dozens-killed-in-apparent-chemical-weapons-attack-on-civilians-in-eastern-ghouta--rescue-workers/2018/04/08/231bba18-3ac0-11e8-af3c-2123715f78df_story.html |archive-date=12 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}} The bombs were filled with chlorine gas and possibly sarin.{{cite web |last=Dorell |first=Oren |date=8 April 2018 |title=Syria chemical attack would be the eighth since Trump took office |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/08/syria-chemical-attack-latest-trump/497216002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410193124/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/08/syria-chemical-attack-latest-trump/497216002/ |archive-date=10 April 2018 |website=USA Today |df=dmy-all}} The World Health Organization said it received reports from partner agencies that some 500 people arrived at health facilities showing "signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals."{{cite news|last1=Shaheen|first1=Kareem|title=Syria: 500 Douma patients had chemical attack symptoms, reports say|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/11/syria-douma-patients-chemical-attack-symptoms-who|access-date=16 April 2018|work=The Guardian|date=11 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415190210/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/11/syria-douma-patients-chemical-attack-symptoms-who|archive-date=15 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} On 6 July 2018, the OPCW produced an interim report stating that chlorine residues had been found at the two attack sites, although no organophosphorous nerve agents or their degradation products were detected.{{cite web|url=https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-issues-fact-finding-mission-reports-on-chemical-weapons-use-allegations-in-douma-syria-in-2018-and-in-al-hamadaniya-and-karm-al-tarrab-in-2016/OPCW|title=Issues Fact-Finding Mission Reports on Chemical Weapons Use Allegations in Douma, Syria in 2018 and in Al-Hamadaniya and Karm Al-Tarrab in 2016, OPCW, 6 July 2018|publisher=OPCW|access-date=6 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707062515/https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-issues-fact-finding-mission-reports-on-chemical-weapons-use-allegations-in-douma-syria-in-2018-and-in-al-hamadaniya-and-karm-al-tarrab-in-2016/OPCW/|archive-date=7 July 2018|url-status = dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-44746147|title=OPCW finds 'chlorinated compounds' in Douma|date=7 July 2018|publisher=BBC|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=3 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103103849/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-44746147|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-chemicalweapons/interim-opcw-report-finds-chlorine-used-in-syrias-douma-document-idUSKBN1JW2IY|title=Chemical weapons agency finds 'chlorinated' chemicals in Syria's Douma|first=Anthony|last=Deutsch|date=8 July 2018|work=Reuters|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204063255/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-chemicalweapons/interim-opcw-report-finds-chlorine-used-in-syrias-douma-document-idUSKBN1JW2IY|url-status=live}}

As with previous incidents, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other nations accused the Syrian government of being responsible for the use of chemical weapons. Russia and Iran, the Syrian government's main allies, denied chemical weapons had been used, claiming it was a false flag operation.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/08/trump-big-price-to-pay-suspected-syria-chemical-weapons-attack|title=Trump: 'big price to pay' for Syria chemical weapons attack|first1=Martin|last1=Chulov|first2=Kareem|last2=Shaheen|first3=Angelique|last3=Chrisafis|first4=Martin|last4=Pengelly|date=8 April 2018|website=The Guardian|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412215151/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/08/trump-big-price-to-pay-suspected-syria-chemical-weapons-attack|archive-date=12 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|title=Russian Foreign Ministry slams reports on Douma chemical attack as fake news|url=https://tass.com/politics/998422|access-date=8 April 2018|publisher=TASS|date=8 April 2018|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924235806/https://tass.com/politics/998422|url-status=live}} Russia has said video of the chemical attack was staged by members of the White Helmets.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsru.com/russia/11apr2018/rupoliceinsyria.html|title=Генштаб РФ объявил об отправке в Думу российской военной полиции |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180412001439/https://www.newsru.com/russia/11apr2018/rupoliceinsyria.html |archive-date=12 April 2018|publisher=NEWSru|date=11 April 2018|language=ru}}{{Cite web |title=White Helmets staged Douma 'chemical weapons attack' on civilians — Russian General Staff |url=http://tass.com/defense/999108 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412001123/http://tass.com/defense/999108 |archive-date=12 April 2018 |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=tass.com}} Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said that the Saudi Arabian-backed{{cite web|title=MAPPING MILITANT ORGANIZATIONS: Jaish al-Islam|url=https://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/groups/view/533|publisher=Stanford University|date=31 August 2017|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305192425/https://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/groups/view/533|archive-date=5 March 2016|df=dmy-all}} Jaysh al-Islam was making "chemical attack fabrications in an exposed and failed attempt to obstruct advances by the Syrian Arab Army".{{Cite news |last=Shaheen |first=Kareem |date=2018-04-08 |title=Dozens killed in suspected chemical attack on Syrian rebel enclave |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/08/syrian-government-accused-of-chemical-attacks-on-civilians-in-eastern-ghouta |url-status=live |access-date=2023-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415063444/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/08/syrian-government-accused-of-chemical-attacks-on-civilians-in-eastern-ghouta |archive-date=15 April 2018 |issn=0261-3077}}

In May 2017, French President Emmanuel Macron said the use of chemical weapons in Syria would be a red line requiring immediate reprisal.{{Cite news |author=Rose |first=Michel |date=May 29, 2017 |title=Chemical weapons a red line in Syria, France's Macron says |work=Reuters |editor-last=Thomas |editor-first=Leigh |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-russia-syria-macron/chemical-weapons-a-red-line-in-syria-frances-macron-says-idUSKBN18P1OH?il=0 |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414130054/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-russia-syria-macron/chemical-weapons-a-red-line-in-syria-frances-macron-says-idUSKBN18P1OH?il=0 |archive-date=14 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}} France and the United States cited positive urine and blood samples collected as proof of chlorine being used in Douma.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43740626|title=Macron 'has Syria chemical attack proof'|date=12 April 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412205303/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43740626|archive-date=12 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}

In the early hours of 9 April 2018, an airstrike was conducted against Tiyas Military Airbase in Syria.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43694588|title=Israel blamed for Syria airfield attack|date=9 April 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412094420/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43694588|archive-date=12 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} The United States denied launching the airstrike, and an Israeli spokeswoman declined to comment.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/syria-says-suspected-u-s-missiles-fired-at-air-base-washington-denies-strike-idUSKBN1HG04Q|title=Syria, Russia accuse Israel of missile attack on air base|last=Al-Khalidi|first=Suleiman|work=U.S.|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171452/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-meast-crisis-syria-airfield/syria-says-suspected-u-s-missiles-fired-at-air-base-washington-denies-strike-idUSKBN1HG04Q|archive-date=9 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} On 10 April, an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting was held where competing solutions were presented on how to handle the response to the chemical attack; all were eventually vetoed by Russia.{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Merrit |date=April 10, 2018 |title=Russia Vetoes U.S. Resolution on Syria in U.N. Security Council |publisher=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/04/10/601153602/u-n-security-council-meets-about-syria-as-inspectors-prepare-to-head-in |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412001333/https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/04/10/601153602/u-n-security-council-meets-about-syria-as-inspectors-prepare-to-head-in |archive-date=12 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news |author=Nichols |first=Michelle |date=11 April 2018 |title=Russia vetoes U.S. bid to form new Syria chemical weapons inquiry |work=Reuters |editor-last=Oatis |editor-first=Jonathan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-un-vote/russia-vetoes-u-s-bid-to-form-new-syria-chemical-weapons-inquiry-idUSKBN1HH37O |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411023110/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-un-vote/russia-vetoes-u-s-bid-to-form-new-syria-chemical-weapons-inquiry-idUSKBN1HH37O |archive-date=11 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}} By 11 April, Western nations began to consider military action in Syria, seeking a "strong joint response."{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43733861|title=Cabinet agrees 'need for action' in Syria|date=13 April 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412072721/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43733861|archive-date=12 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news |date=11 April 2018 |title=Trump Warns Russia: 'Get Ready' for Attack on Syria |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2018/04/11/us/politics/ap-us-united-states-syria.html |url-status=dead |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414130054/https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2018/04/11/us/politics/ap-us-united-states-syria.html |archive-date=14 April 2018 |issn=0362-4331 |df=dmy-all}} On the same day, the Syrian government said it invited the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to investigate the sites of the attacks. "Syria is keen on cooperating with the OPCW to uncover the truth behind the allegations that some western sides have been advertising to justify their aggressive intentions," said SANA, quoting an official source in the Foreign Ministry.{{Cite news |author=Nehme |first=Dahlia |date=10 April 2018 |title=Syria invites OPCW to investigate alleged chemical attack in Douma |work=Reuters |editor-last=Lawrence |editor-first=Janet |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-investiga/syria-invites-opcw-to-investigate-alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-idUSKBN1HH218 |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414130054/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta-investiga/syria-invites-opcw-to-investigate-alleged-chemical-attack-in-douma-idUSKBN1HH218 |archive-date=14 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}} Russia denied chemical weapons were used, and on 13 April, blamed Britain for staging the event in order to provoke US airstrikes.{{Cite news |last=Dorell |first=Oren |date=13 April 2018 |title=Russia just blamed Britain for Syria chemical attack. Here's who else Moscow blames |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/13/russia-blamed-britain-syria-chemical-attack/514756002/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414130054/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/13/russia-blamed-britain-syria-chemical-attack/514756002/ |archive-date=14 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-13/russia-says-syria-chemical-attack-staged/9657314|title=Russia says Britain helped fake Syria chemical attack, calls for emergency UN meeting to 'avert danger of war'|work=ABC News|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032022/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-13/russia-says-syria-chemical-attack-staged/9657314|url-status=live}}

By 12 April, British Prime Minister Theresa May had ordered Royal Navy submarines in the Mediterranean to move within cruise missile range of Syria by the end of the week.{{Cite web |last1=Rayner |first1=Gordon |last2=Hope |first2=Christopher |date=11 April 2018 |title=British submarines move into missile range of Syria |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/british-submarines-move-into-missile-range-of-syria-20180412-p4z94u.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417161830/https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/british-submarines-move-into-missile-range-of-syria-20180412-p4z94u.html |archive-date=17 April 2018 |access-date=17 April 2018 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |df=dmy-all}} British military sources later told The Times that days before the missile strikes a British {{sclass|Astute|submarine|0}} submarine armed with Tomahawk missiles and approaching within firing range of Syrian military targets was chased by "one, and possibly two" Russian {{sclass2|Kilo|submarine|2}}s from the Russian Navy base at Tartus. The Russian submarines were supported by two frigates and an antisubmarine aircraft, while the British submarine was assisted by a US Navy P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft. Ultimately, no British submarine took part in the strikes.{{Cite news |last1=Ripley |first1=Tim |last2=Hookham |first2=Mark |date=15 April 2018 |title=British submarine in duel with Kremlin's 'Black Hole' hunter-killer |work=The Sunday Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/british-submarine-in-underwater-duel-with-kremlins-black-hole-hunter-killer-dhxhlpwc9 |access-date=17 April 2018 |issn=0956-1382 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109004219/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/british-submarine-in-underwater-duel-with-kremlins-black-hole-hunter-killer-dhxhlpwc9 |url-status=live }}

{{POV section|date=March 2024|reason|The statements in this section at the time of tagging do not reflect a duly weighted summary of the reliable sources on the matter, instead simply providing a wikivoice POV justification similar to that offered by then-ambassador Haley.}}

The United Nations Charter requires a mandate from the United Nations Security Council for sovereign states to use force for the purpose of maintaining international security, but not for acting in self-defence or the protection of populations threatened by extermination at the hands of their own government. Since the UN Charter came into effect in 1945, military action in retaliation or reprisal to the act of another state has been prohibited; but a reprisal may be justified if its aim is to force the other state into compliance with its international obligations. Russia's use of its veto meant there was no prospect of the Security Council authorizing the use of force. Therefore, military action relies on an international public order argument based on defending the credibility of the prohibition of the use of chemical weapons, enforcing Syria's obligations under the terms of its membership of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and protecting civilians from further chemical weapon attacks to alleviate humanitarian suffering.{{Cite news |author=Weller |first=Marc |date=14 April 2018 |title=Were the Syria air strikes legal? |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43766556 |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414111103/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43766556 |archive-date=14 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-43781954|title=Reality Check: Does Russia always use a veto on Syria?|date=16 April 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416155440/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-43781954|archive-date=16 April 2018|url-status = live|df=dmy-all}}

The strikes came hours before inspectors from the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission were due to arrive in Syria to investigate the attack.{{cite news |last1=Burns |first1=Robert |last2=Colvin |first2=Jill |last3=Miller |first3=Zeke |date=13 April 2018 |title=Trump: US, allied strikes aimed at Syria's chemical weapons |work=Associated Press |url=https://www.apnews.com/a607ede3a8db4aad8660f65ae1a510a6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415063409/https://apnews.com/a607ede3a8db4aad8660f65ae1a510a6 |archive-date=15 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}}

The United Kingdom published its legal position regarding military action which concluded limited strikes are justified on humanitarian grounds.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-action-uk-government-legal-position/syria-action-uk-government-legal-position|access-date=14 April 2018|date=14 April 2018|title=Syria action – UK government legal position|publisher=Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street|df=dmy-all|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414163958/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syria-action-uk-government-legal-position/syria-action-uk-government-legal-position|archive-date=14 April 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43770102|title=UK publishes legal case for Syria strikes|date=14 April 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414164105/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43770102|archive-date=14 April 2018}} After the strikes, the UK Parliament debated the considerations under international law regarding the urgency of the intervention, and whether there was a lack of practical alternatives.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-43775728|title=Syrian strikes moral and legal, says PM|date=16 April 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=16 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416015108/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-43775728|archive-date=16 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}

File:Jim Mattis briefing 2018 Syria attack.jpg and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford briefing reporters on the attack]]

File:B-1B, 28th Bomb Wing, prepares to launch a strike mission from Al Udeid AIr Base, April 13 2018.jpg preparing to launch a strike mission from Al Udeid Air Base]]

The strikes were carried out by the forces of the United States, the United Kingdom, and France{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/theresa-may-britain-air-strikes-syria-chemical-weapons-raf|title=Theresa May orders Britain to join air strikes on Syria|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|date=14 April 2018|website=The Guardian|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414022233/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/theresa-may-britain-air-strikes-syria-chemical-weapons-raf|archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} and were delivered by ship-launched, submarine-launched and airborne cruise missiles.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/13/world/middleeast/trump-strikes-syria-attack.html|title=Trump Orders Strikes on Syria Over Suspected Chemical Weapons Attack|last1=Cooper|first1=Helene|date=13 April 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=14 April 2018|last2=Shear|first2=Michael D.|issn=0362-4331|last3=Hubbard|first3=Ben|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414012221/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/13/world/middleeast/trump-strikes-syria-attack.html|archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} All of the missiles launched by British and French forces either Storm Shadow (SCALP EG) missiles, or Missile de Croisière Naval (MdCN for Naval Cruise Missile) sea-launched cruise missiles in French service.

Flying from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus,{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43763605|title=Syria air strikes: UK confident strikes were successful, says PM|date=14 April 2018|website=BBC News|access-date=20 April 2018|archive-date=31 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031142559/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43763605|url-status=live}} four Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 fighters of No. 31 Squadron, supported by four Eurofighter Typhoon air superiority fighters of No. 6 Squadron,{{cite web |last1=Siret |first1=Mal |last2=Lee |first2=Joseph |date=14 April 2018 |title=Western powers strike Syria targets after suspected chemical attack |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-43710303 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414060947/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-43710303 |archive-date=14 April 2018 |access-date=14 April 2018 |work=BBC News |df=dmy-all}} fired a total of eight Storm Shadow missiles.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43769322|title=Syria air strikes: RAF used 'fire and forget' missiles to minimise risk|last=Beale|first=Jonathan|date=14 April 2018|work=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414144103/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43769322|archive-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|access-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} The Royal Navy deployed the Type 45 destroyer, {{HMS|Duncan|D37|6}}, to provide air defense for allied naval forces.{{Cite web |last=Henry |first=Boyd |date=12 April 2018 |title=Syria strike: French, British and US combat assets |url=https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/military-balance/2018/04/syria-assets/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=International Institute for Strategic Studies |language=en}} The French Navy deployed a strike group in the Eastern Mediterranean consisting of the {{sclass|Cassard|frigate|1}} {{ship|French frigate|Cassard||2}}, the {{sclass|Georges Leygues|frigate|1}} {{ship|French frigate|Jean de Vienne||2}}, the {{sclass|Durance|tanker|1}} {{ship|French tanker|Var||2}}, and the FREMM multipurpose frigates {{ship|French frigate|Aquitaine||2}}, {{ship|French frigate|Auvergne||2}}, and {{ship|French frigate|Languedoc||2}}; the latter ship fired three MdCN land attack missiles.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-u-k-launch-strikes-against-syria-1523668212|title=U.S., U.K. and France Launch Strikes Against Syria|last1=Youssef|first1=Nancy A.|date=14 April 2018|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=14 April 2018|last2=Bender|first2=Michael C.|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124075737/https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-u-k-launch-strikes-against-syria-1523668212|url-status=live}} The French strike group was accompanied by the US Navy {{sclass|Virginia|submarine|1}} {{USS|John Warner}}, which launched six Tomahawk cruise missiles.{{cite web|last1=Rogoway|first1=Tyler|title=This Awesome Chart Shows All The Assets Used In The Trilateral Missile Strikes On Syria|url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/20509/this-awesome-chart-shows-all-the-assets-used-in-the-trilateral-missile-strikes-on-syria|website=The War Zone|date=29 April 2018|access-date=1 May 2018|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309030914/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/20509/this-awesome-chart-shows-all-the-assets-used-in-the-trilateral-missile-strikes-on-syria|url-status=live}}

The French Air Force participation in the strikes consisted of five Rafale B fighters from the Escadron de Chasse 1/4 Gascogne based at Saint-Dizier Air Base, each carrying two SCALP EG missiles, four Mirage 2000-5F air superiority fighters from the Escadron de chasse 1/2 Cigognes from Luxeuil Air Base, two E-3F airborne early warning and control planes from the 36e Escadre de commandement et de conduite aéroportée Berry from Avord Air Base, and six C-135FR tankers from the Groupe de ravitaillement en vol 2/91 Bretagne from Istres Air Base.{{Cite web|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/192498/syria%3A-allied-air-strikes-hit-3-targets%2C-achieve-stated-goals.html|title=Successful Strikes and Targets Hit in Syria|date=14 April 2018|website=Defense-Aerospace.com|access-date=20 April 2018|archive-date=21 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421031502/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/192498/syria%3A-allied-air-strikes-hit-3-targets%2C-achieve-stated-goals.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Merchet|first=Jean-Dominique|title=La France a tiré douze missiles de croisière contre la Syrie|url=https://www.lopinion.fr/blog/secret-defense/france-a-tire-douze-missiles-croisiere-contre-syrie-147246|work=L'Opinion|date=14 April 2018|access-date=14 April 2018|language=fr|archive-date=14 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414234144/https://www.lopinion.fr/blog/secret-defense/france-a-tire-douze-missiles-croisiere-contre-syrie-147246|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Elysee/status/984984444623781888|title=Élysée on Twitter|website=Twitter|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109035119/https://twitter.com/Elysee/status/984984444623781888|url-status=live}}{{Primary source inline|date=April 2018}}

US forces included two US Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers from the 34th Bomb Squadron, which fired a total of nineteen JASSM missiles after taking off from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. They were accompanied by four F-22A Raptor air superiority fighters from the 95th Fighter Squadron, two KC-10 Extender tankers from the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron and one US Marine Corps EA-6B Prowler electronic-warfare aircraft from VMAQ-2, which all departed from Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/13/politics/trump-us-syria/index.html|title=US, France and UK strike Syria's chemical weapons program|author1=Zachary Cohen |author2=Kevin Liptak|date=14 April 2018|publisher=CNN|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414010722/https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/13/politics/trump-us-syria/index.html|archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} Immediately after the strike it was claimed that long-range JASSM-ER had been fired by the two B-1B Lancer bombers, but five days later, the U.S. Air Force Central Command issued a correction saying that actually older JASSM-A were used.{{cite web |author=Pawlyk |first=Oriana |date=19 Apr 2018 |title=DoD Officials Erred About Weapons, Fighters Used in Syria Strike Mission |url=https://www.military.com/defensetech/2018/04/19/dod-officials-erred-about-weapons-fighters-used-syria-strike-mission.html |access-date=19 Apr 2018 |publisher=Military.com |archive-date=19 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419192708/https://www.military.com/defensetech/2018/04/19/dod-officials-erred-about-weapons-fighters-used-syria-strike-mission.html |url-status=live }} From a position in the Red Sea the US Navy {{sclass|Arleigh Burke|destroyer|1}} {{USS|Laboon}} fired seven and the {{sclass|Ticonderoga|cruiser|1}} {{USS|Monterey|CG-61|6}} thirty Tomahawk cruise missiles, while the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer {{USS|Higgins}} fired twenty-three Tomahawks from a position in the northern part of the Persian Gulf.{{cite web|last1=Rogoway|first1=Tyler|last2=Trevithick|first2=Joseph|title=Here Are All The Details The Pentagon Just Released Regarding Its Missile Attack on Syria|url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/20120/heres-all-the-details-the-pentagon-just-released-regarding-its-missile-attack-on-syria|website=The War Zone|date=14 April 2018|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=15 April 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180415214217/http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/20120/heres-all-the-details-the-pentagon-just-released-regarding-its-missile-attack-on-syria|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last1=LaGrone |first1=Sam |last2=Werner |first2=Ben |date=2018-04-14 |title=VIDEO: U.S., French Warships Launch Strikes on Chemical Weapons Targets in Syria |url=https://news.usni.org/2018/04/13/breaking-u-s-cruiser-destroyer-uss-donald-cook-launch-strikes-syria |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=USNI News |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026194724/https://news.usni.org/2018/04/13/breaking-u-s-cruiser-destroyer-uss-donald-cook-launch-strikes-syria |url-status=live }} The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, {{USS|Donald Cook}} was reported to have participated in order to mislead defending forces, firing no missiles.{{cite web|url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/04/17/how-the-us-positioned-its-warships-to-trick-russia-ahead-of-syrian-strikes/|title=How the US positioned its warships to trick Russia ahead of Syrian strikes|first=Victoria|last=Leoni|date=22 April 2018|publisher=Navy Times|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-date=25 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325022034/https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/04/17/how-the-us-positioned-its-warships-to-trick-russia-ahead-of-syrian-strikes/|url-status=live}} US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said twice as many weapons were used in the strike as in the 2017 Shayrat missile strike;{{cite web |last1=Rocha |first1=Veronica |last2=Ries |first2=Brian |last3=Griffiths |first3=James |last4=Said-Moorhouse |first4=Lauren |last5=Wills |first5=Amanda |date=14 April 2018 |title=US, UK and France strike Syria: Live updates |url=https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/us-trump-syria |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414015336/https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/us-trump-syria |archive-date=14 April 2018 |access-date=14 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}} an anonymous US Defense Department official quoted by The Washington Post said about 100 Tomahawk missiles were fired by the US.

The US Air Force also deployed a fighter group over the Eastern Mediterranean in the air-superiority and defensive-counter-air role, which consisted of at least eight F-15C Eagle fighters from the 493d Fighter Squadron and seven F-16C Falcon fighters from the 510th Fighter Squadron. The fighters were accompanied by at least two KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 351st Air Refueling Squadron.{{cite web |last=Cenciotti |first=David |date=14 April 2018 |title=Here are the first photos of the U.S. Air Force F-16C and F-15C jets and KC-135 tankers returning to Aviano after tonight's mission |url=https://theaviationist.com/2018/04/14/here-are-the-first-photos-of-the-u-s-air-force-f-16c-and-f-15c-jets-and-kc-135-tankers-returning-to-aviano-after-tonights-mission/ |access-date=1 May 2018 |website=The Aviationist |archive-date=11 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411160513/https://theaviationist.com/2018/04/14/here-are-the-first-photos-of-the-u-s-air-force-f-16c-and-f-15c-jets-and-kc-135-tankers-returning-to-aviano-after-tonights-mission/ |url-status=live }}

According to US military's Director of the Joint Staff, the allocation of missiles to targets was:{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43769332|date=14 April 2018|access-date=14 April 2018|title=US-led strikes on Syria: What was targeted?|work=BBC News |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415012947/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43769332|archive-date=15 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}

• Barzah scientific research centre (Damascus): 57 Tomahawk and 19 JASSM missiles.
• Him Shanshar military installation storage site (west of Homs): 9 Tomahawk, 8 Storm Shadow, 3 MdCN, and 2 SCALP missiles.
• Him Shanshar military installation bunker: 7 SCALP missiles.

Syria responded using its air defense systems, and its state media aired a video purporting to show a successful missile interception.{{cite news |date=2018 |title=Video reportedly shows missile interception |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2018/04/14/syria-us-airstrike-interception.cnn |url-status=live |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415085038/https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2018/04/14/syria-us-airstrike-interception.cnn |archive-date=15 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}} The Syrian state news agency SANA and Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoi of the Russian military said Syria used Russian and Soviet air defense systems Pantsir-S1, S-125, S-200, Buk, and Kvadrat.{{Cite news |author=Stracqualursi |first=Veronica |date=April 14, 2018 |title=Trump declares 'mission accomplished' in Syria strike |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/14/politics/trump-syria-strike/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414174501/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/14/politics/trump-syria-strike/index.html |archive-date=14 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}}

File:The ruins of the American missile attack on Syria 09 (cropped).jpg

File:President Trump Delivers an Address to the Nation.webm

File:Explosions Near Dummar, Syria.webm, Syria]]

{{Donald Trump series}}

President Donald Trump announced the strikes at 9 pm EDT, 13 April (4 AM, 14 April in Syria, 2 AM in London, 3 AM in Paris) along with allies France and the United Kingdom. Explosions were heard in Damascus, the capital of Syria, just as Trump was speaking. According to US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, Russia had not been warned in advance of the incoming attack;{{cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Peter |date=14 April 2018 |title=America, Britain and France strike Syria |work=Insider |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/us-russia-syria-strike-targets-no-advance-warning-2018-4 |url-status=live |access-date=15 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415062657/http://www.businessinsider.com/us-russia-syria-strike-targets-no-advance-warning-2018-4 |archive-date=15 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}} he was contradicted by other American and French officials.{{cite news|title=America, Britain and France strike Syria|url=https://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21740584-america-and-its-allies-again-try-deter-bashar-al-assad-using-chemical-weapons-america|access-date=15 April 2018|newspaper=The Economist|date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414235806/https://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21740584-america-and-its-allies-again-try-deter-bashar-al-assad-using-chemical-weapons-america|archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}

US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford said three sites were targeted: a scientific research center in Damascus, a chemical weapons storage facility west of Homs, and an equipment storage facility and command post also near Homs.{{Cite web |last1=Rocha |first1=Veronica |last2=Griffiths |first2=James |last3=Said-Moorhouse |first3=Lauren |last4=Wills |first4=Amanda |last5=Ries |first5=Brian |date=2018-04-14 |title=Syrian state TV claims attack in Homs was thwarted |url=https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/us-trump-syria/h_faad0498da76e88058d68cfb44ab4290 |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=CNN |archive-date=7 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707172518/https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/us-trump-syria/h_faad0498da76e88058d68cfb44ab4290 |url-status=live }} The UK Ministry of Defence reported British aircraft struck the Him Shanshar chemical weapons precursor storage site 15 miles west of Homs.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43763605|title=Four RAF fighters join Syria air strikes|date=14 April 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414020059/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43763605|archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-jets-strike-chemical-weapon-facility-in-syria|title=RAF jets strike chemical weapon facility in Syria|website=GOV.UK|date=14 April 2018|access-date=2019-03-13|archive-date=1 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101120139/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-jets-strike-chemical-weapon-facility-in-syria|url-status=live}} Witnesses reported loud explosions and smoke in the capital Damascus in the early morning, including in the Barzeh neighborhood, the site of the Barzah scientific research centre, a major research establishment. The strike destroyed what employees of the facility characterised as a Syrian antivenom medical center, but which US General Joseph Dunford described as a center for research, development, production and testing of chemical and biological weapons.{{Cite news |last= |date=14 April 2018 |title=Syria Strike Reduces Research Center to Smoking Rubble|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/04/14/world/europe/14reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-scene.html |url-status=dead |access-date=17 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418033915/https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/04/14/world/europe/14reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-scene.html |archive-date=18 April 2018 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |date=14 April 2018 |title=At destroyed Syria lab, workers say they produce antidotes to snake venom not toxic weapons |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/at-destroyed-syria-lab-workers-say-they-produce-antidotes-to-snake-venom-not-toxic-weapons/story-e2OIzVf2RqPMMuRK0XdK0H.html |access-date=17 April 2018 |archive-date=16 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416223246/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/at-destroyed-syria-lab-workers-say-they-produce-antidotes-to-snake-venom-not-toxic-weapons/story-e2OIzVf2RqPMMuRK0XdK0H.html |url-status=live }} The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the attack sites included a scientific research center in Damascus and another in the Homs area, as well as military bases in Damascus and Homs.

The US armed forces said all missiles hit their intended targets without interference, and according to Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie, the Syrian air defences fired 40 intercepting surface-to-air missiles but failed to hit any of the targets. He said most were fired after the last incoming missile had struck its target.{{cite news |last1=MacAskill |first1=Ewen |last2=Borger |first2=Julian |date=14 April 2018 |title=Allies dispute Russian and Syrian claims of shot-down missiles |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/allies-dispute-russian-and-syrian-claims-of-shot-down-missiles |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414184122/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/allies-dispute-russian-and-syrian-claims-of-shot-down-missiles |archive-date=14 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}} Similarly, France said none of the twelve missiles it fired appear to have been intercepted,{{Cite web |last=Barnes |first=Tom |date=2018-04-14 |title=Russia claims 71 of 103 missiles shot down during overnight air strikes |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-air-strikes-russia-missiles-shot-down-intercepted-shot-down-latest-update-a8304421.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618180811/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-air-strikes-russia-missiles-shot-down-intercepted-shot-down-latest-update-a8304421.html |archive-date=18 June 2018 |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=The Independent }} although there were reports that between three and seven French missiles were not fired due to malfunctions.{{cite news|last=Merchet|first=Jean-Dominique|url=https://www.lopinion.fr/blog/secret-defense/marine-a-rencontre-aleas-technique-lors-tir-missiles-croisiere-147551|title=La Marine a rencontré des " aléas technique " lors du tir des missiles de croisière (actualisé)|work=L'Opinion|date=17 April 2018|language=fr|access-date=18 April 2018|archive-date=22 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422155323/https://www.lopinion.fr/blog/secret-defense/marine-a-rencontre-aleas-technique-lors-tir-missiles-croisiere-147551|url-status=live}} The Syrian Army said it "intercepted most of the missiles", while the Syrian state media reported its air defenses shot down 13 incoming missiles near Al-Kiswah, south of Damascus. The Russian military reported Syria's air defences shot down 71 of 103 cruise missiles,{{cite news |last1=Beaumont |first1=Peter |last2=Roth |first2=Andrew |date=14 April 2018 |title=Russia claims Syria air defences shot down 71 of 103 missiles |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/russia-claims-syria-air-defences-shot-down-majority-missiles |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414105716/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/russia-claims-syria-air-defences-shot-down-majority-missiles |archive-date=14 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}} and listed various airports and airbases, not mentioned by US military sources, as having been targeted partly or completely unsuccessfully.{{cite web |url= http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12171611@egNews |title= Briefing by Russian Defence Ministry official Major General Igor Konashenkov |date= 16 April 2018 |publisher= Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation |access-date= 20 April 2018 |archive-date= 18 April 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180418093246/http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12171611@egNews |url-status= live }} The SOHR, which is cited by many western media organisations, reported no known casualties, but stated there was considerable material damage while also saying that the Syrian Air Defense Force intercepted and downed at least 65 missiles.{{cite web |url= http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=89324 |title= The Western Coalition's strikes targeted important centers of the regime in the capital Damascus and its vicinity, as well as the outskirts of Homs city|date= 14 April 2018|publisher=SOHR|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|df=dmy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414193639/http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=89324|archive-date=14 April 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Siret |first1=Mal |last2=Lee |first2=Joseph |date=14 April 2018 |title='More than 65 missiles intercepted' - monitoring group (14:10h) |publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-middle-east-43710303 |url-status=live |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416075103/http://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-middle-east-43710303 |archive-date=16 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}} Syria's state-run TV news reported three civilians injured at Homs, and that the missile strike there was "aborted".{{Cite news|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2018/04/14/Syrian-TV-says-3-wounded-in-Homs-missile-strike/stories/201804140069|title=Syrian TV says 3 wounded in Homs missile strike|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414171327/http://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2018/04/14/Syrian-TV-says-3-wounded-in-Homs-missile-strike/stories/201804140069|archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}

Workers at a destroyed laboratory denied ever making any chemical weapons.{{cite news |date=14 April 2018 |title=At destroyed Syria lab, workers deny producing toxic weapons |agency=Agence France-Presse |url=https://www.afp.com/en/news/826/destroyed-syria-lab-workers-deny-producing-toxic-weapons-doc-1411by1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415125014/https://www.afp.com/en/news/826/destroyed-syria-lab-workers-deny-producing-toxic-weapons-doc-1411by1 |archive-date=15 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}}

Russia called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 14 April, but the resolution it brought to the session condemning the attacks failed to pass, with only Bolivia and China supporting it.{{Cite news |last1=Helmore |first1=Edward |last2=Greenfield |first2=Patrick |last3=Grierson |first3=Jamie |last4=Doherty |first4=Ben |last5=Russell |first5=Graham |date=14 April 2018 |title=Syria latest: British defence secretary says attacks 'highly successful' |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/apr/14/syria-donald-trump-announcement-chemical-attack-live |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414021105/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/apr/14/syria-donald-trump-announcement-chemical-attack-live |archive-date=14 April 2018 |issn=0261-3077 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/04/1007341 |title=Security Council rejects Russian request to condemn airstrikes in Syria | UN News |date=14 April 2018 |publisher=United Nations |access-date=15 April 2018 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414223333/https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/04/1007341 |archive-date=14 April 2018 |df=dmy-all }} Nikki Haley, Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN, said the United States was "locked and loaded", should the Syrian government use chemical weapons again. A further meeting of the Security Council was scheduled to be held on 16 April, to discuss a resolution presented jointly by France, the UK, and the US. The resolution calls for an independent inquiry into the use of chemical weapons in Syria, medical evacuations, and the safe passage of aid convoys across the country.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/15/western-allies-launch-diplomatic-offensive-in-wake-of-syria-strikes|title=Syria: western allies launch diplomatic offensive in wake of strikes|first=Patrick|last=Wintour|date=15 April 2018|website=The Guardian|access-date=16 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416091920/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/15/western-allies-launch-diplomatic-offensive-in-wake-of-syria-strikes|archive-date=16 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}

The effectiveness and impact of the strike has been downplayed by analysts.{{cite news |last1=McCausland |first1=Phil |last2=Talmazan |first2=Yuliya |date=15 April 2018 |title=Trump's U.S.-led airstrike on Syria won't stop Assad's chemical capabilities, experts say |work=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/trump-s-u-s-led-airstrike-syria-won-t-stop-n866046 |url-status=live |access-date=15 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414230840/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/trump-s-u-s-led-airstrike-syria-won-t-stop-n866046 |archive-date=14 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}} In Syria, the strikes were interpreted as a victory for Bashar al-Assad, because their limited scope was seen as indicating that Western countries no longer intended to seriously challenge his rule.{{cite news |author=Sly |first=Liz |date=15 April 2018 |title=Syria's Assad in a 'good mood,' scorns U.S. weaponry after airstrikes |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/syrias-assad-said-to-be-in-good-mood-scorns-us-weaponry-after-airstrikes/2018/04/15/a5e313cb-727a-4dda-98da-d582d86f0add_story.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415204010/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/syrias-assad-said-to-be-in-good-mood-scorns-us-weaponry-after-airstrikes/2018/04/15/a5e313cb-727a-4dda-98da-d582d86f0add_story.html |archive-date=15 April 2018 |quote="President Assad was in absolutely positive spirits. He is in a good mood," the Interfax news agency quoted Natalya Komarova, governor of Russia’s autonomous Khanty-Mansiysk district, as saying. [...] Despite claims by President Trump that the operation was an "enormous success," it is being interpreted in Syria as a win for Assad because the limited scope of the strikes suggested that Western powers do not intend to challenge his rule. |df=dmy-all}} According to Russian state media, the governor of Russia's autonomous Khanty-Mansiysk district said after meeting with Assad that "President Assad was in absolutely positive spirits. He is in a good mood." American Director of the Joint Staff, Lt. Gen Kenneth McKenzie, said the air strikes were a "severe blow" to the development of Syria's chemical weapons and that the United States military is "ready anytime" in the event of retaliation by the Syrian government.{{cite web|title=Syria strikes: All the latest updates|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/syria-air-strikes-latest-updates-180414021423479.html|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=16 April 2018|date=15 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416010009/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/syria-air-strikes-latest-updates-180414021423479.html|archive-date=16 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}

The activity of web brigades increased by "2,000%" following the attack, according to Chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White.{{Cite news |last1=Rocha |first1=Veronica |last2=Wills |first2=Amanda |last3=Ries |first3=Brian |date=14 April 2018 |title=As it happened: The strike and its aftermath |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/us-trump-syria |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414031018/https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/us-trump-syria |archive-date=14 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/04/15/russia-launches-cyber-war-uk-dirty-tricks-campaign-boris-johnson/|title=Russia launches cyber war on UK with 'dirty tricks' campaign as PM to face Commons over Syria strikes|last1=Rayner|first1=Gordon|date=15 April 2018|work=The Telegraph|access-date=16 April 2018|last2=Yorke|first2=Harry|issn=0307-1235|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416092019/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/04/15/russia-launches-cyber-war-uk-dirty-tricks-campaign-boris-johnson/|archive-date=16 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} The UK's National Cyber Security Centre, the FBI, and the US Department of Homeland Security issued a joint alert warning of a Russian global hacking campaign.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-43788338|title=Russia accused of net hack attacks|date=16 April 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=16 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416171458/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-43788338|archive-date=16 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A|title=Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices|website=US-CERT|access-date=16 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416180252/https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A|archive-date=16 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}

According to Syrian state television, Syrian air defenses intercepted missiles that targeted Shayrat Airbase "late Monday night" (16 April); however, the Pentagon spokesman said the US military was not active at the time, while an Israeli military spokesman declined to comment.{{cite news |author=Al-Khalidi |first=Suleiman |date=17 April 2018 |title=Syrian air defenses shoot down missiles in Homs: state TV |work=Yahoo News |agency=Reuters |location=Amman |editor-last=Adler |editor-first=Leslie |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/syrias-air-defenses-respond-missile-attack-over-homs-223533913.html |url-status=live |access-date=17 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417095055/https://www.yahoo.com/news/syrias-air-defenses-respond-missile-attack-over-homs-223533913.html |archive-date=17 April 2018 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite news |author= |title=No U.S. military activity in Syria's Homs at this time: Pentagon |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-pentagon/no-u-s-military-activity-in-syrias-homs-at-this-time-pentagon-idUSKBN1HN33D |work=Reuters |location=Washington |date=17 April 2018 |access-date=17 April 2018 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417095059/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-pentagon/no-u-s-military-activity-in-syrias-homs-at-this-time-pentagon-idUSKBN1HN33D |archive-date=17 April 2018}} Hezbollah's media unit claimed Syrian air defenses had also intercepted three missiles which targeted Al-Dumayr Military Airport;{{cite news |author= |date=17 April 2018 |title=Pro-Iranian Hezbollah Says Missiles Intercepted Over Syria's Dumair Military Airport |work=New York Times |agency=Reuters |location=Amman |url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/04/16/world/middleeast/16reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-airport.html |url-status=dead |access-date=17 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417100326/https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/04/16/world/middleeast/16reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-airport.html?mtrref=undefined |archive-date=17 April 2018}} a commander in the regional military alliance backing the government told Reuters that it was a false alarm and part of an "electronic attack" by Israel and the US on the Syrian radar system.{{cite news |author= |title=False alarm set off Syrian air defenses: pro-Assad commander |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-airbase/false-alarm-set-off-syrian-air-defenses-pro-assad-commander-idUSKBN1HO12N |work=Reuters |location=Beirut |date=17 April 2018 |access-date=17 April 2018 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417100926/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-airbase/false-alarm-set-off-syrian-air-defenses-pro-assad-commander-idUSKBN1HO12N |archive-date=17 April 2018}}{{Cite news |last1=Khoury |first1=Jack |last2= |date=2018-04-17 |title=Syria Blames Missiles, False Alarm on 'Joint Electronic Attack' by Israel and U.S. |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/syrian-state-tv-says-missile-attack-on-air-base-thwarted-1.6009200 |access-date=2019-03-13 |archive-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816205245/https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/syrian-state-tv-says-missile-attack-on-air-base-thwarted-1.6009200 |url-status=live }}

According to Jane's IHS, on 25 April 2018, the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) "appeared to contradict" the MoD's earlier 16 April account, and was now stating that 22 (rather than 32) missiles hit their targets, that 66 (rather than 71) were intercepted, and those other incoming missiles had suffered technical malfunctions. According to Russia, 46 missiles were intercepted in five areas of the capital of Syria and Duvali, Dumayr, Blai, and Mazzeh nearby airfields, and 20 missiles were intercepted in three areas of the Homs air defense zone. The MoD did agree that the U.S. hit all three of the publicly targeted sites. The MoD also displayed remnants of SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles purportedly shot down; Jane's stated that "The missile remnants it displayed could have come from missiles that hit their targets or failed in a previous attack".{{Cite web |last=Binnie |first=Jeremy |date=26 April 2018 |title=Russia displays cruise missiles 'shot down' in Syria |url=http://www.janes.com/article/79615/russia-displays-cruise-missiles-shot-down-in-syria |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502154414/http://www.janes.com/article/79615/russia-displays-cruise-missiles-shot-down-in-syria |archive-date=2 May 2018 |access-date=2018-04-29 |website=Jane's 360}} Russian government sources claimed they had recovered as duds one Tomahawk and one 'precision air launched' missile, and would study them to improve their own weapons systems; the US denied the claims as "absurd".{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/25/russia-says-it-has-a-us-tomahawk-cruise-missile-and-will-use-it-to-improve-its-own-weapons.html|title=Russia claims it has a US Tomahawk cruise missile and will use it to improve its own weapons|first=Holly|last=Ellyatt|date=25 April 2018|website=CNBC|access-date=29 April 2018|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108115356/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/25/russia-says-it-has-a-us-tomahawk-cruise-missile-and-will-use-it-to-improve-its-own-weapons.html|url-status=live}}

On 21 April, the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission visited a site in Douma to collect samples, and on 25 April visited a second site in Douma to collect further samples. The team also interviewed people related to incident in Damascus.{{cite press release |url=https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-visits-second-site-in-douma-syria/ |title=OPCW Fact-Finding Mission Visits Second Site in Douma, Syria |publisher=OPCW |date=25 April 2018 |access-date=7 May 2018 |archive-date=27 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427101442/https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-fact-finding-mission-visits-second-site-in-douma-syria/ |url-status=live }} On 4 May, the OPCW announced that the initial deployment of the Fact-Finding Mission in Douma was complete. Analysis of the samples may take at least three to four weeks.{{cite press release |url=https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-spokespersons-statement-on-fact-finding-mission-deployment-to-douma/ |title=OPCW Spokesperson's Statement on Fact-Finding Mission Deployment to Douma |publisher=OPCW |date=4 May 2018 |access-date=7 May 2018 |archive-date=4 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504155455/https://www.opcw.org/news/article/opcw-spokespersons-statement-on-fact-finding-mission-deployment-to-douma/ |url-status=live }}

The Syrian state media called the attack a "flagrant violation of international law".

Within Syria the strikes, and the response of Syria's air defence units, was seen as a victory for the Government of President Assad. Crowds gathered in the streets of Damascus the following morning to celebrate what they said was the success of the Syrian Army.{{cite web | url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/syrians-gather-in-capital-in-defiance-after-airstrikes | title=Syrians gather in capital in defiance after airstrikes | website=PBS | date=14 April 2018 | access-date=27 April 2023 | archive-date=27 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427110011/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/syrians-gather-in-capital-in-defiance-after-airstrikes | url-status=live }}

French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement on 14 April that France's "red line has been crossed", referring to the previous attacks on Douma.{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/macron-says-red-line-has-been-crossed-in-syria|title=French President Macron says 'red line has been crossed' in Syria|website=PBS NewsHour|date=13 April 2018|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414063019/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/macron-says-red-line-has-been-crossed-in-syria|archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}

While announcing the strikes, UK Prime Minister Theresa May said there was "no practicable alternative to the use of force" to deal with the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons. Opposition politicians condemned the strikes, with many questioning May's decision to press ahead without obtaining parliamentary approval first. Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn called the strikes "legally questionable", said "Bombs won't save lives or bring about peace", although some of his party's MPs backed the strikes. He also said that "while much suspicion rightly points to the Assad government", other groups had carried out similar attacks and weapons inspectors must continue their investigation.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/syria-missile-raid-may-faces-anger-trump-declares-mission-accomplished|title=Theresa May faces anger over Syria raids as Trump declares 'mission accomplished'|last1=Helm|first1=Toby|last2=Chulov|first2=Martin|last3=Siddiqui|first3=Sabrina|last4=Savage|first4=Michael|date=14 April 2018|work=The Observer|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414234105/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/syria-missile-raid-may-faces-anger-trump-declares-mission-accomplished|archive-date=14 April 2018|url-status = dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news |date= 17 April 2018 |title= Syria air strikes: Theresa May says action 'moral and legal' |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-43775728 |work= BBC News |access-date= 21 October 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180416015108/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-43775728 |archive-date= 16 April 2018 |url-status= live }}

US President Donald Trump announced the strikes in a televised address, arguing they were part of the effort to stop Assad from using chemical weapons, and said the US was "prepared to sustain this response" until this was achieved. Dana W. White, The Pentagon Chief Spokesperson, said "this operation does not represent a change in US policy or an attempt to depose the Syrian regime". The New York Times reported the reactions initially broke among partisan lines, with members of the Republican Party—the party of President Donald Trump—being generally supportive while the Democrats were generally critical.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/13/world/middleeast/trump-strikes-syria-attack.html|title=Trump Orders Strikes on Syria Over Suspected Chemical Weapons Attack|last1=Cooper|first1=Helene|date=13 April 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414012221/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/13/world/middleeast/trump-strikes-syria-attack.html|archive-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|last2=Shear|first2=Michael D.|issn=0362-4331|quote=Early reaction to the strikes from Capitol Hill appeared to break down along party lines, with Republicans expressing support for the president and Democrats questioning whether Mr. Trump has a well-thought-out strategy for what happens after the military action is over.|last3=Hubbard|first3=Ben|df=dmy-all}} Republicans Tom Cotton and Orrin Hatch praised the strikes.{{cite web |last1=Ebbs |first1=Stephanie |last2=Rogin |first2=Ali |date=13 April 2018 |title=Members of Congress react to US strike on Syria |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/members-congress-react-us-strike-syria/story?id=54459343 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414032846/https://abcnews.go.com/International/members-congress-react-us-strike-syria/story?id=54459343 |archive-date=14 April 2018 |access-date=14 April 2018 |work=ABC News |df=dmy-all}} Other US lawmakers, in particular Democrats, although generally supportive of a limited strike to punish Assad for using banned chemical weapons, criticized the Trump administration for not seeking Congressional approval and for not having a "coherent Syria Strategy". Democratic senator Tim Kaine re-emphasized his long-held belief that the military intervention without Congressional authorization and long-term strategy are "illegal" and "reckless".{{Cite news|url=https://thehill.com/policy/defense/383133-kaine-rips-syria-strikes-whats-stopping-trump-from-bombing-iran-north-korea/|title=Kaine rips Syria strikes: What's stopping Trump from bombing Iran, North Korea next?|last=Kheel|first=Rebecca|date=13 April 2018|work=TheHill|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414032849/http://thehill.com/policy/defense/383133-kaine-rips-syria-strikes-whats-stopping-trump-from-bombing-iran-north-korea|archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Meg |date=July 23, 2016 |title=Where Tim Kaine And Hillary Clinton Stand on Key Issues |publisher=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2016/07/23/487082207/where-tim-kaine-and-hillary-clinton-stand-on-key-issues |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817065703/http://www.npr.org/2016/07/23/487082207/where-tim-kaine-and-hillary-clinton-stand-on-key-issues |archive-date=17 August 2017 |df=dmy-all}}

On 19 April, at a Pentagon press briefing, American Director of the Joint Staff Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie affirmed that Russian air defenses - which included advanced S-400 missile systems{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/russia-claims-syria-air-defences-shot-down-majority-missiles|title=Russia claims Syria air defences shot down 71 of 103 missiles|last1=Beaumont|first1=Peter|date=14 April 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=5 May 2018|last2=Roth|first2=Andrew|archive-date=14 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414105716/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/russia-claims-syria-air-defences-shot-down-majority-missiles|url-status=live}} - were active but did not engage any missiles during the operation. "Russian air defenses were energized. They were scanning. They had a {{sic|mainstay|expected=Beriev A-50 Mainstay}} air defense aircraft up. They did not choose to engage, so I cannot speculate about why they did or did not do that," McKenzie stated, while denying that any missiles were shot down by Syrian air defenses.{{cite news|last=Michaels|first=Jim|title=105 to 0: Why Syria's air defenses failed to intercept a single incoming missile|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/20/syria-air-defenses-failed-intercept-missiles/537126002/|publisher=USA Today|date=20 April 2018|access-date=21 April 2018|archive-date=20 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420233500/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/20/syria-air-defenses-failed-intercept-missiles/537126002/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Allahverdi|first=Safvan|url=https://aa.com.tr/en/americas/no-intent-to-change-syrias-strategic-balance-pentagon/1123354|title=No intent to change Syria's strategic balance: Pentagon|agency=Anadolu Agency|date=20 April 2018|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-date=22 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422072058/https://aa.com.tr/en/americas/no-intent-to-change-syrias-strategic-balance-pentagon/1123354|url-status=live}}

The Iran Foreign Ministry condemned the missile strikes, said there is "no proof" of Syrian responsibility in the chemical attack on Douma, and criticized the United States for attacking without waiting for an Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons investigation.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/allies-strike-syria-chemical-weapons-sites-180414011901735.html|title=US and allies strike Syria 'chemical weapons sites'|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414021828/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/allies-strike-syria-chemical-weapons-sites-180414011901735.html|archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, called Trump, May and Macron "criminals" and warned "they will gain nothing" from the strike.{{cite news|url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1397/01/25/1699855/%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%B3%D8%AD%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B2-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D8%B1%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%B3-%D8%AC%D9%85%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7-%D8%B1%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%B3-%D8%AC%D9%85%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D9%87-%D9%88-%D9%86%D8%AE%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D9%88%D8%B2%DB%8C%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%86%DA%AF%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%B3-%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AA%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%86%D8%AF|title=امام خامنه‌ای:‌حمله سحرگاه امروز به سوریه جنایت است/رئیس‌جمهور آمریکا، رئیس‌جمهور فرانسه و نخست‌وزیر اخبار تسنیم|agency=Tasnim News Agency|access-date=14 April 2018|language=fa|archive-date=12 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912183908/https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1397/01/25/1699855/%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D8%B1%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%B3-%D8%AC%D9%85%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7-%D8%B1%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%B3-%D8%AC%D9%85%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D9%87-%D9%88-%D9%86%D8%AE%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D9%88%D8%B2%DB%8C%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%86%DA%AF%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%B3-%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AA%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%86%D8%AF|url-status=live}}

Russian politician Alexander Sherin referred to the strike as a terrorist attack and compared it to Operation Barbarossa.{{cite news|last1=James|first1=Mike|last2=Dorell|first2=Oren|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/04/13/u-s-attack-syria-creates-cold-war-style-tension-russia/516757002/|title=Russian politician calls Trump 'Adolf Hitler No. 2 of our time'|publisher=USA Today|date=13 April 2018|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418230720/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/04/13/u-s-attack-syria-creates-cold-war-style-tension-russia/516757002/|url-status=live}} Russian President Vladimir Putin described the strikes as an "act of aggression". Russia also called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/14/russia-calls-for-un-meeting-on-syria-mulls-supplies-of-s-300-systems.html|title=Russia calls for UN meeting on Syria, mulls supplies of S-300 systems|date=14 April 2018|publisher=CNBC|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109030906/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/14/russia-calls-for-un-meeting-on-syria-mulls-supplies-of-s-300-systems.html|url-status=live}} Anatoly Antonov, the Russian ambassador to the United States, strongly condemned the coalition attacks on Syria and warned the Western countries of "consequences".{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/13/world/middleeast/trump-strikes-syria-attack.html|title=U.S., Britain and France Strike Syria Over Suspected Chemical Weapons Attack|last1=Cooper|first1=Helene|date=13 April 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=14 April 2018|last2=Gibbons-Neff|first2=Thomas|issn=0362-4331|last3=Hubbard|first3=Ben|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414012221/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/13/world/middleeast/trump-strikes-syria-attack.html|archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} Sergei Rudskoi, a Russian Colonel-General, in a TV briefing, said Russia may consider sending S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Syria and other countries.

Albania,{{cite news|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/us-led-syria-strikes-echo-in-the-balkans-04-14-2018|title=Syria Strikes Win Support but Raise Concern in Balkans|date=14 April 2018|agency=Balkan Insight|access-date=14 April 2018}}{{cite news|url=http://top-channel.tv/english/albanian-foreign-supports-us-french-and-british-attacks-against-assads-regime-in-syria/|title=Albanian Foreign Minister supports US, French and British attacks against Assad's regime in Syria|date=14 April 2018|agency=Top Channel|access-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415063825/http://top-channel.tv/english/albanian-foreign-supports-us-french-and-british-attacks-against-assads-regime-in-syria/|archive-date=15 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://top-channel.tv/english/albanian-president-supports-western-allies-for-attack-in-syria/|title=Albanian President supports Western allies for attack in Syria|date=14 April 2018|access-date=14 April 2018|agency=Top Channel|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415063510/http://top-channel.tv/english/albanian-president-supports-western-allies-for-attack-in-syria/|archive-date=15 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} Bulgaria,{{cite web | title=Bulgaria calls for de-escalation of tensions after US-led air strike on Syria | website=The Sofia Globe | date=14 April 2018 | url=https://sofiaglobe.com/2018/04/14/bulgaria-calls-for-de-escalation-of-tensions-after-us-led-air-strike-on-syria/ | access-date=14 April 2018 |url-status = live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415124800/https://sofiaglobe.com/2018/04/14/bulgaria-calls-for-de-escalation-of-tensions-after-us-led-air-strike-on-syria/ | archive-date=15 April 2018 | df=dmy-all }} Canada,{{cite web|url=https://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2018/04/13/statement-prime-minister-airstrikes-syria|title=Statement by the Prime Minister on airstrikes in Syria|date=13 April 2018|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=14 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414171538/https://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2018/04/13/statement-prime-minister-airstrikes-syria|url-status=live}} Croatia,{{cite web|url=http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/hrvatska-stala-uz-sad-ministarstvo-podupiremo-saveznike-i-pratimo-situaciju/1038650.aspx|title=Hrvatska stala uz SAD, Ministarstvo: "Podupiremo saveznike i pratimo situaciju"|publisher=Index.hr|access-date=14 April 2018|language=hr|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414140313/http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/hrvatska-stala-uz-sad-ministarstvo-podupiremo-saveznike-i-pratimo-situaciju/1038650.aspx|archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} the Czech Republic,{{cite web|url=https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/issues_and_press/mfa_statements/x2018_04_14_statement_of_the_mfa_on_syria.html|title=Statement of the MFA on the current developments in Syria|website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414171328/https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/issues_and_press/mfa_statements/x2018_04_14_statement_of_the_mfa_on_syria.html|archive-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|access-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/ct24/domaci/2449999-utok-zapadu-na-syrii-je-vzkaz-tem-co-vedou-chemicke-utoky-mini-ceska-diplomacie|title=Spojené státy Česko o útoku na Sýrii informovaly, uvedl Stropnický. Podle Babiše byl úder nevyhnutelný|publisher=Česká televize|website=ČT24|access-date=14 April 2018|language=cs|archive-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620071553/http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/ct24/domaci/2449999-utok-zapadu-na-syrii-je-vzkaz-tem-co-vedou-chemicke-utoky-mini-ceska-diplomacie|url-status=live}} Denmark,{{cite web|url=http://www.stm.dk/_p_14660.html|title=Statsministeren om militært modsvar i Syrien|publisher=Statsministeriet|access-date=14 April 2018|language=da|archive-date=15 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215015943/http://www.stm.dk/_p_14660.html|url-status=live}} Estonia,{{cite web |url=https://news.err.ee/749117/estonian-reactions-to-us-french-british-strikes-against-syrian-forces |title=Estonian reactions to US, French, British strikes against Syrian forces |date=14 April 2018 |publisher=ERR |access-date=15 April 2018 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414234553/https://news.err.ee/749117/estonian-reactions-to-us-french-british-strikes-against-syrian-forces |archive-date=14 April 2018 |df=dmy-all }} Germany,{{cite news|title=Germany backs airstrikes in Syria as 'necessary and appropriate'|url=http://www.dw.com/en/germany-backs-airstrikes-in-syria-as-necessary-and-appropriate/a-43386145|access-date=14 April 2018|publisher=DW|date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414153222/http://www.dw.com/en/germany-backs-airstrikes-in-syria-as-necessary-and-appropriate/a-43386145|archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} Greece,{{cite news|title=Greece calls for political, sustainable solution in Syria after air strikes|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/european-leaders-back-syria-strikes-warn-against-escalation/2018/04/14/0b57d1b4-3fde-11e8-955b-7d2e19b79966_story.html?noredirect=on|access-date=14 April 2018|issue=14 April 2018|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415063547/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/european-leaders-back-syria-strikes-warn-against-escalation/2018/04/14/0b57d1b4-3fde-11e8-955b-7d2e19b79966_story.html|archive-date=15 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} Italy,{{cite web|title=European leaders back Syria airstrikes; China against|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/european-leaders-back-syria-strikes-warn-escalation-54466093|website=ABC News|access-date=16 April 2018|date=14 April 2018|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415190508/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/european-leaders-back-syria-strikes-warn-escalation-54466093|archive-date=15 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2018/04/14/news/siria_salvini_pazzesco_fermatevi_-193833979/?ref=RHPPTP-BL-I0-C12-P2-S1.12-T2|title=Siria, Gentiloni: "Azione mirata e circoscritta, ma non sia inizio di un'escalation". L'attacco spacca il centrodestra|date=14 April 2018|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=15 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215015943/https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2018/04/14/news/siria_salvini_pazzesco_fermatevi_-193833979/?ref=RHPPTP-BL-I0-C12-P2-S1.12-T2|url-status=live}}

the Netherlands,{{cite web|last1=Blake|first1=Sarah|last2=Smethurst|first2=Annika|last3=Whinnett|first3=Ellen|title=Big problem with Trump's air strikes|url=http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/australian-government-issues-statement-declaring-its-support-over-military-action-in-syria/news-story/834ad3c5d27caf2c0f160758a8584389|website=news.com.au|access-date=16 April 2018|date=15 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416123616/http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/australian-government-issues-statement-declaring-its-support-over-military-action-in-syria/news-story/834ad3c5d27caf2c0f160758a8584389|archive-date=16 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} Poland,{{cite web |url=http://www.thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/358862,Polish-president-voices-support-for-allied-strikes-on-Syria |title=Polish president voices support for allied strikes on Syria – Radio Poland :: News from Poland |publisher=Thenews.pl |access-date=15 April 2018 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415124745/http://www.thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/358862,Polish-president-voices-support-for-allied-strikes-on-Syria |archive-date=15 April 2018 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/358792,World-cannot-remain-passive%E2%80%99-Polish-foreign-ministry-says-after-Syria-strikes |title=World 'cannot remain inactive,' Polish foreign ministry says after Syria strikes – Radio Poland :: News from Poland |publisher=Thenews.pl |access-date=15 April 2018 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415124656/http://www.thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/358792,World-cannot-remain-passive%E2%80%99-Polish-foreign-ministry-says-after-Syria-strikes |archive-date=15 April 2018 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.msz.gov.pl/en/news/statement_by_the_ministry_of_foreign_affairs |title=Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 14th April 2018 |publisher=msz.gov.pl |access-date=15 April 2018 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415191040/http://www.msz.gov.pl/en/news/statement_by_the_ministry_of_foreign_affairs |archive-date=15 April 2018 |df=dmy-all }} Romania,{{cite web |url=http://www.gandul.info/politica/iohannis-afirma-solidaritatea-romaniei-cu-alianta-sua-marea-britanie-franta-folosirea-armelor-chimice-este-dincolo-de-orice-justificare-17130398 |title=Iohannis afirmă solidaritatea României cu alianţa SUA-Marea Britanie-Franţa: Folosirea armelor chimice este dincolo de orice justificare |work=Gândul |author=Ana Petrescu |date=14 April 2018 |language=ro |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215015944/https://www.gandul.info/politica/iohannis-afirma-solidaritatea-romaniei-cu-alianta-sua-marea-britanie-franta-folosirea-armelor-chimice-este-dincolo-de-orice-justificare-17130398 |url-status=live }} Spain,{{cite news|title=Spain Says Syria Strikes "Proportional" But Regrets Lack of Coordinated International Pressure on Assad|url=https://www.thespainreport.com/articles/1518-180414111909-spain-says-syria-strikes-proportional-but-regrets-lack-of-coordinated-international-pressure-on-assad|access-date=14 April 2018|issue=14 April 2018|publisher=The Spain Report|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415190411/https://www.thespainreport.com/articles/1518-180414111909-spain-says-syria-strikes-proportional-but-regrets-lack-of-coordinated-international-pressure-on-assad|archive-date=15 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} and Turkey{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey/strikes-on-syria-appropriate-response-turkish-foreign-ministry-source-idUSKBN1HL0C8|title=Strikes on Syria 'appropriate response': Turkish foreign ministry...|author=Reuters Editorial|work=U.S.|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=2 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002211114/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey/strikes-on-syria-appropriate-response-turkish-foreign-ministry-source-idUSKBN1HL0C8|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cnnturk.com/son-dakika-bekir-bozdag-turkiye-saldiridan-once-bilgilendirildi |title=Son dakika... Bekir Bozdağ: 'Türkiye saldırıdan önce bilgilendirildi' |access-date=14 April 2018 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414130056/https://www.cnnturk.com/son-dakika-bekir-bozdag-turkiye-saldiridan-once-bilgilendirildi |archive-date=14 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} Son dakika... Bekir Bozdağ: 'Türkiye saldırıdan önce bilgilendirildi'{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey/turkeys-erdogan-welcomes-western-attack-on-syria-says-operation-a-message-to-assad-idUSKBN1HL0W9|title=Turkey's Erdogan welcomes Western attack on Syria, says operation a message to Assad|newspaper=Reuters|date=14 April 2018|access-date=20 April 2018|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109034636/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey/turkeys-erdogan-welcomes-western-attack-on-syria-says-operation-a-message-to-assad-idUSKBN1HL0W9|url-status=live}} all agreed the decision to attack was justified.

Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres called for restraint from all states.{{cite news|url=https://www.enca.com/world/un-chief-urges-restraint-after-strikes-on-syria|title=UN chief Guterres urges restraint after strikes on Syria|date=14 April 2018|work=eNews Channel Africa|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414130054/https://www.enca.com/world/un-chief-urges-restraint-after-strikes-on-syria|archive-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|df=dmy-all}}

President of the European Council Donald Tusk confirmed the European Union's support for the strikes{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/syria-bombing-trump_uk_5ad15735e4b0edca2cb9eea4|title=Britain, US And France Launch 'Precision Strikes' In Syria in Response To 'Despicable' Chemical Attack|last1=Demianyk|first1=Graeme|work=HuffPost|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414130054/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/syria-bombing-trump_uk_5ad15735e4b0edca2cb9eea4|archive-date=14 April 2018|url-status = live|last2=Sommers|first2=Jack|df=dmy-all}} as did High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/eu-endorses-attacks-on-syria-by-us-uk-and-france-1.3462219?mode=amp|title=EU endorses attacks on Syria by US, UK and France|last1=Smyth|first1=Patrick|date=14 April 2018|newspaper=The Irish Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415081541/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/eu-endorses-attacks-on-syria-by-us-uk-and-france-1.3462219?mode=amp|archive-date=15 April 2018|url-status = live|access-date=16 April 2018|df=dmy-all}} Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg supported the strikes in a statement.{{cite news|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_153661.htm|title=Statement by the NATO Secretary General on the actions against the Syrian regime's chemical weapons facilities and capabilities|work=NATO|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213131240/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_153661.htm|url-status=live}}

The Collective Security Treaty Organization condemned the strikes as violating norms of international law.{{cite web | title=CSTO condemns US-led airstrikes on Syria | website=Armenpress | date=14 April 2018 | url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/929994 | access-date=14 April 2018 | archive-date=21 June 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621152533/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/929994 | url-status=live }}

Mohammed Alloush, a key member of the Army of Islam (a coalition of Salafist and Islamist rebel groups){{cite news|url=https://english.alaraby.co.uk/opinion/whos-involved-rebels-aleppo-offensive-cliff-notes|title=Who's involved in the rebels' Aleppo offensive? The cliff-notes|work=The New Arab|date=28 October 2016|access-date=28 January 2022|archive-date=14 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114165318/https://english.alaraby.co.uk/opinion/whos-involved-rebels-aleppo-offensive-cliff-notes|url-status=live}} criticized the missile strikes for not going far enough, writing on Twitter that the airstrikes were a "farce" and an example of punishing "the instrument of the crime while keeping the criminal [in power]".{{cite news|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/228014/blasts-shake-damascus-as-us-and-allies-launch-syria-strikes/|title=Blasts shake Damascus as US and allies launch Syria strikes|work=Daily Times|date=14 April 2018|access-date=28 January 2022|archive-date=15 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215015943/https://dailytimes.com.pk/228014/blasts-shake-damascus-as-us-and-allies-launch-syria-strikes/|url-status=live}} In a press statement released on 14 April 2018, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum that the organization "condemns in the strongest terms" the airstrikes, describing them as "blatant aggression on Syrian soil [with the aim] to destroy its capabilities in order to preserve the existence of the Zionist entity".{{cite news|first=Fawzi|last=Barhoum|url=http://hamas.ps/en/post/1261/hamas-condemns-tripartite-aggression-on-syria|title=Hamas condemns tripartite aggression on Syria|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415063925/http://hamas.ps/en/post/1261/hamas-condemns-tripartite-aggression-on-syria|archive-date=15 April 2018|df=dmy-all|work=Hamas|date=14 April 2018|access-date=28 January 2022}}

Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, and Patriarch John X of Antioch, primate of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All The East, issued a joint condemnation of the strikes. They said the bombings "were clear violation of the international laws and the UN Charter", and that the "unjust aggression encourages the terrorist organizations and gives them momentum to continue in their terrorism."{{cite web|url=https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/page/a-statement-issued-by-the-patriarchates-of-antioch-and-all-the-east-for-the-greek-orthodox-syrian-orthodox-and-greek-melkite-catholic-damascus-14-april-2018/1918/|title=A Statement Issued by the Patriarchates of Antioch and all the East for the Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, and Greek-Melkite Catholic Damascus, 14 April 2018|website=Antioch|access-date=6 June 2018|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814095452/https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/page/a-statement-issued-by-the-patriarchates-of-antioch-and-all-the-east-for-the-greek-orthodox-syrian-orthodox-and-greek-melkite-catholic-damascus-14-april-2018/1918/|url-status=live}}

{{Expand section|1=public opposition, protests, demonstrations etc in other countries such as the United States and France|date=February 2022}}

Protests against the strikes occurred in the United Kingdom in April 2018, including in London (organised by the Stop the War Coalition, which said the strikes risked "causing a catastrophic war with Russia") and Bristol, Exeter, Swansea and Milton Keynes.{{cite news |last= Wills |first= Ella |date= 16 April 2018 |title= Thousands urge 'don't bomb Syria' in protests against airstrikes as Theresa May grilled by MPs |url= https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/thousands-urge-dont-bomb-syria-in-protests-against-airstrikes-as-theresa-may-grilled-by-mps-a3815496.html |work= Evening Standard |access-date= 20 October 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191020194819/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/thousands-urge-dont-bomb-syria-in-protests-against-airstrikes-as-theresa-may-grilled-by-mps-a3815496.html |archive-date= 20 October 2019 |url-status= live }} The British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament described the decision of the government to carry out airstrikes in Syria as defying international law and criticised Prime Minister Theresa May for bypassing parliament in her decision on the matter.{{cite news |last1= Savage |first1= Michael |last2= Townsend |first2= Mark |date= 14 April 2018 |title= Parliament and UK public split over decision to bomb Syria |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/parliament-and-public-split-over-theresa-may-decison-to-support-airstrikes-against-syria |work= The Guardian |access-date= 20 October 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191020192718/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/parliament-and-public-split-over-theresa-may-decison-to-support-airstrikes-against-syria |archive-date= 20 October 2019 |url-status= live }} The British Stop the War Coalition condemned the missile strikes in a public statement in April 2018.{{cite web |url= https://www.stopwar.org.uk/article/stop-the-war-statement-on-douma-attacks-the-war-in-syria/ |title= StWC Statement on Douma Attacks & the War in Syria – 09/04/18 |date= 9 April 2018 |website= Stop the War Coalition |access-date= 8 February 2022 |archive-date= 9 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220209005646/https://www.stopwar.org.uk/article/stop-the-war-statement-on-douma-attacks-the-war-in-syria/ |url-status= live }}{{primary source inline|date=November 2023}} Public opinion on the missile strikes was "evenly split" according to a report by The Week.{{Cite news |date=20 April 2018 |title=Fact Check: The truth about public support for Syria air strikes |url=https://www.theweek.co.uk/93077/fact-check-the-truth-about-public-support-for-syria-air-strikes |access-date=October 31, 2024 |work=The Week UK}}

• 2017 Shayrat missile strike
• September 2016 Deir ez-Zor air raid
• International reactions to the 2013 Ghouta chemical attack § Military options
• Operation Odyssey Dawn
• List of United States attacks on Syria during the Syrian civil war

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