2017 Shayrat missile strike
On the morning of 7 April 2017, the United States launched 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the Mediterranean Sea into Syria, aimed at Shayrat Airbase controlled by the Syrian government. The strike was executed on the authorization of U.S. President Donald Trump, as a direct response to the Khan Shaykhun chemical attack that occurred on 4 April.
| 2017 Shayrat missile strike | |
|---|---|
| Part of the Syrian Civil War the American-led intervention in Syria and US attacks against the Syrian government | |
USS Ross fires a Tomahawk missile towards Shayrat Airbase | |
| Operational scope | Single-site targeted military strike |
| Location | Shayrat Airbase, Shayrat, Syria 34°29′39″N 36°54′40″E |
| Planned by | United States |
| Commanded by | Donald Trump Jim Mattis |
| Target | Shayrat Airbase |
| Date | 7 April 2017 04:40 EEST (UTC+03:00) |
| Executed by | United States Navy |
| Casualties | At least 16 killed (per Talal Barazi, governor of Homs) 9 civilians killed including 4 children 9 soldiers killed (per SOHR) 9-20 aircraft destroyed 1 SAM battery destroyed |
Shayrat Airbase Location of Shayrat Airbase in Syria | |
The strike was the first unilateral military action by the United States targeting the Syrian government during the Syrian Civil War. President Trump stated shortly thereafter, "It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons."
The Syrian Air Force launched airstrikes against the rebels from the base only hours after the American attack. It was reported that advance warning was given to Russia, an ally of the Syrian government, by the US prior to the missile strike.