The missile strikes, which appeared more symbolically punitive than realistically damaging to Assad’s government, potentially exposed U.S. forces and proxies across the region to retaliation by Syrian allies, including Iran. [U.S. strikes Syrian military airfield]The missiles struck the Shayrat air base in the western province of Homs at about 3:40 a.m. local time, officials said. Video aired later Friday on Syrian state television showed several large hangars at the base, with their entrances singed black by fire. On Syrian state television Friday, presenters condemned the “mercenaries of the U.S. and their allies” and praised the Syrian army for protecting the country. Syrian opponents of Assad, many of whom have spent years prodding the United States to intervene militarily in the conflict, praised the missile strikes.

Source: Washington Post April 07, 2017 04:40 UTC