- Russia’s ambassador to the U.S. warned there would be “consequences” for the strike on Syria, and that a “pre-designed scenario” was underway.
- In ordering strikes on Syria, President Donald Trump called out both Iran and Russia for their support of Bashar Assad’s government.
Russia on Friday night warned of unspecified “consequences” against a U.S.-led coalition that struck Syria, stoking fears the conflict could escalate.
President Donald Trump ordered targeted military action in the country, following an alleged chemical weapons attack that reportedly left dozens of citizens dead.
Russia, which has backed the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad, has joined Damascus in denying an attack even took place — even though U.S. authorities have declared it did with near certainty.
In a statement released on Twitter, Russia’s ambassador to the U.S. said the country was being “threatened,” and warned reprisals could follow.
Trump has singled out Russian Vladimir Putin for his support of Assad, as well as Iran. In his speech announcing military action in Syria, Trump pointedly asked: “What kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women, and children?”
Since 2011, the Assad government has been locked in a deadly and protracted conflict with resistance fighters, and elements of ISIS, and has been backed by Russian forces.
