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Conflict in Syria

US, France, Britain begin operation against Syria

Trump ordered the US armed forces to launch precision strikes on targets associated with the chemical weapon capabilities
© AP Photo/Hassan Ammar

MOSCOW, April 14. /TASS/. The United States, France and Britain have launched a joint operation against Syria, US President Donald Trump said. Pinpoint strikes at what he described as chemical weapons production facilities were underway.

"I ordered the United States armed forces to launch precision strikes on targets associated with the chemical weapon capabilities of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad," Trump said from the White House Diplomatic Reception Room. 

US aircraft and ships were used in the attack, according to multiple US defense officials.

Trump also insisted that the US would not remain engaged in Syria forever under any circumstances. He has previously told his national security team he wants US troops to exit Syria within six months: "America does not seek an indefinite presence in Syria," the US president said. "As other nations step up their contributions we look forward to the day we can bring our warriors home." 

UK Prime Minister Theresa May said in a statement that she "authorized British armed forces to conduct co-ordinated and targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian Regime's chemical weapons capability and deter their use." 

Donald Trump also remarked that the United States hoped for establishing better relations with Russia and Iran, but did not rule out that might not happen.

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