Russia responds to Trump’s threat of airstrikes

Just a few minutes after US President Donald Trump tweeted a threat to fire “beautiful” missiles at  Syria,  Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, responded. Posting on Facebook account, Zakharova said “The smart missiles must be aimed at the terrorists rather than the legitimate government that has been facing international terrorism on its territories for several years.”

Trump said on Twitter: “Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, “nice” and new and “smart”!”

Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018

In a move that could cause a major escalation, Russia’s ambassador to Lebanon has said that any US missiles that will be fired at Syria will be shot down and their launching sites will be targeted.

Reports: Syria repositions air assets ahead of possible US strikes

On March 13, Russian army said that they would respond to US air attacks in Syria and target any missiles or bombers that will be involved in any attack. It is noted that Russia has been the most powerful ally of Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad.

On Tuesday, Russia and the United States both hindered other attempts at the UN Security Council to conduct international investigations into the suspected chemical attacks in Syria.

The White House revealed, on Tuesday evening, that US President Donald Trump had cancelled a tour to  Latin America, which had been scheduled for this week, in order to focus on the way of responding to the Syrian incident. On Monday,Trump warned of a swift and strong response as soon as the responsible party for the suspected chemical attack in Syria is identified.

Trump tells Russia to ‘get ready’ for strike on Syria

Earlier, Trump stressed that the chemical attack the Syrian regime carried out last Saturday on the city of Duma in Rif Dimashq “will indeed face a strong response”.

During a meeting with military commanders at the White House, on Monday evening, Trump stressed that “a strong decision will be taken over the next two days to respond to the mentioned attack,” according to an American media professional.

Last Saturday, at least 78 civilians were killed and hundreds were injured due to the Syrian regime’s chemical attack on Duma, the last area under the opposition’s control in Eastern Ghouta in Rif Dimashq, according to a medical source.