France, US deny striking airbase in Syria

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – France and the United States have denied launching a missile attack on a Syrian airbase in the aftermath of a chemical attack in the rebel-held town of Douma that killed and wounded dozens of people.

Syrian state TV on Monday said that Washington was suspected of striking the airbase hours after US President Donald Trump warned of a “big price to pay” following the gas attack.

“At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria,” the Pentagon said in a statement.

“However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable.”

The French military in a statement that soon followed also denied their involvement in the air raid.

Syria’s state TV reported casualties, saying it believed it was US missile attack on the T-4 airfield near Homs, which is located in the center of Syria near the ancient city of Palmyra.

“An aggression was carried out against the T-4 airbase with several strikes, most likely an American attack,” state television claimed when it broke the news.

A Syrian military source was quoted asserting their air defense system had shot down eight missiles fired at the base.

The Syrian opposition blamed the suspected gas attack on Saturday in Douma on Syrian government forces.

As international officials worked to try to confirm the chemical attack, Trump directly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin in connection with the assault.

“Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay,” Trump wrote on Twitter.

Editing by Nadia Riva