President Trump on Friday night announced he has directed the U.S. military to conduct precision strikes in Syria, after the chemical weapons attack that left dozens dead on Sunday.
“A short time ago, I ordered the U.S. Armed Forces to launch precision strikes on targets associated with the chemical weapons capabilities of Syrian dictator, Bashar al-Assad,” the president said from the White House.
“A combined operation with the armed forces of France and the United Kingdom is now under way,” he continued.
Mr. Trump also called out Iran and Russia.
“To Iran and Russia I ask, what kind of nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children?” Mr. Trump said. “The nations of the world can be judged by the fiends they keep.”
The president’s announcement comes one year after he announced strikes in Syria following another chemical weapons attack. The White House had kept a tight lid on the military action, and hours before the strikes were directed, said no final plans had been made.
Mr. Trump took no questions.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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