The US and allies launched an early morning attack on Syria’s suspected chemical weapons sites.

The United States and allies have responded to the Syrian government’s alleged use of chemical weapons against the rebel-held town of Douma with missile strikes.

US President Donald Trump announced he ordered air strikes in Syria “on targets associated with the chemical weapons capabilities”, in collaboration with the UK and France.

The strikes mark the second time Trump ordered attacks against Syria to punish Assad’s government.

Russia, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, pledged to retaliate for what it described as a “fabricated” chemical gas attack.

What was the objective of the attack?

Trump said “the purpose of our actions tonight is to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons.” 

Emmanuel Macron, France’s president, said his country joined the US and UK because Assad’s government had crossed a “red line” with the alleged attack on Douma. 

“Our response has been limited to hitting the capacities of the Syrian regime that permit the production and use of chemical weapons,” said Macron.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said the Assad government’s use of chemical weapons was “persistent” and must be stopped to protect innocent lives in Syria.

How many missiles were fired? 

The US and its allies launched more than 100 missiles on Syria in a “one-time shot”, according to the Pentagon.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis and Marine General Joseph Dunford said chemical weapons facilities were targeted by missiles fired from the sea and from aircraft.

The Pentagon could not confirm how many missiles hit their targets.

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