The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, or OPCW, says it will continue its probe into the alleged gas attack in Syria. The chemical weapons watchdog announced this, hours after Western countries launched air strikes in retaliation over the possible gassing. Qi Jie has more.
Before dawn, 3 targets, over 100 missiles. The US, UK and France launched air strikes on Syria, in response to an alleged chemical attack on a Syrian town.
DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "The purpose of our actions tonight is to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons. Establishing this deterrent is a vital national security interest of the United States."
British Prime Minister Theresa May said it was "right and legal" to order strikes against Syria, saying it was a limited, targeted and effective strike.
THERESA MAY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER "Together we have hit a specific and limited set of targets. They were a chemical weapons storage and production facility, a key chemical weapons research centre and a military bunker involved in chemical weapons attacks."
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said the US-led attack on Syria reflects the failure of Western powers to achieve their goals in Syria, after the defeat of foreign-backed militants.
SYRIAN ARMY SPOKESPERSON "Such aggressions will not prevent our armed forces from ending what remains of terrorist groups throughout the country. This aggression will increase our steadfastness in defending our sovereignty, dignity, and the country and people's safety and security."
Meanwhile, Russia says it may consider supplying S-300 anti-missile systems to Syria and other countries after the strikes. Russia had refused to deliver these systems several years ago, upon pressure from the West. CGTN