Trump orders precise attacks against Syrian military facilities with Britain, France

WASHINGTON, April 13-- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said he has ordered precise strikes in cooperation with Britain and France against Syrian military facilities.

In a televised speech, Trump said he ordered the U.S. armed forces to launch attacks against targets related to Syria's chemical weapons capabilities.

He added that a combined operation with Britain and France was under way.

Trump also criticized Russia and Iran for supporting the Syrian government as well as their failure to stop the alleged chemical attack.

The speech came all of a sudden, as White House correspondents said they were asked not to share that information until the president went live "in order to ensure the safety of our troops."

U.S. attacks targets 3 sites in Syria

WASHINGTON, April 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford said on Friday that the ongoing U.S. attack targets multiple targets in Syria including a research center, a chemical weapon storage facility and a facility in the second target.

U.S. defense chief James Mattis also said in a briefing that the attack targets directly at the Syrian government.

Strikes on Syria "will not be left without consequences": Russian envoy to U.S.

WASHINGTON, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov on Friday warned that the U.S. strikes on Syria "will not be left without consequences."

"All responsibility for them rests with Washington, London and Paris," he said in a statement.

British PM says no alternative to use of force in Syria

STRIKES ON SYRIA "ONE TIME SHOT" AGAINST SYRIAN GOV'T -- PENTAGON

SYRIAN STATE MEDIA SAYS U.S.-LED STRIKE ON SYRIA A FLAGRANT VIOLATION OF INT'L LAW

China calls for calm and restraint over Syria

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu on Friday called on parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint over the situation in Syria. FULL STORY