'MAXIMUM DESTRUCTION'
RAF jets take off from Cyprus for Syria air strikes mission on chemical weapons factory with Storm Shadow missiles
RAF Tornado jets were deployed to bomb a Syrian chemical weapons factory in what has been hailed as a "highly successful mission".
The UK joined its military might with the US and France to launch to revenge strike against President Assad's regime following a chemical attack on civilians.
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US, UK and France launch air strikes in Syria in response to chemical attack
Four Tornado jets were deployed at 1am from RAF Akrotiri, which is the air force base in Cyprus.
Tornado's are the UK's main ground-attack aircraft and .
The air-launched weapons weigh 900lbs each and can travel as far as 250 miles.
They fired Storm Shadow missiles at the chemical weapons factory base, which is 15 miles west of Homs.
The deadly precision missiles were chosen because they could "maximise destruction".
The factory is a former missile base and is believed to be where the Syrian regime keeps "chemical weapons precursors".
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A spokesman for the MoD said: "Initial indications are that the precision of the Storm Shadow weapons and meticulous target planning have resulted in a successful attack.
"Very careful scientific analysis was applied to determine where best to target the Storm Shadows to maximise the destruction of the stockpiled chemicals and to minimise the destruction of the stockpiled chemicals and to minimise any risks of contamination to the surrounding area.
"The facility which was struck is located some distance from any known concentrations of civilian habitation, reducing yet further any such risk."
What we know so far:
- Trump announces US, UK and French air strikes on Syria in revenge for 'evil' chemical attack
- May says UK has 'no alternative' other than to launch attack
- RAF Tornado jets bomb Syria chemical weapons factory
- Russia warns of 'consequences' after Syria bombings 'insult' Putin
- Syrian media says three civilians were injured in a missile attack
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US, UK and France launch air strikes in Syria in response to chemical attack
The MoD is investigating the aftermath of a precision hit aimed at wiping out Assad's deadly weapons which left 75 people dead on April 7.
Explosions have been reported in Damascus, just hours after Donald Trump confirmed he had ordered coalition airstrikes.
Pictures show the sky glowing a fiery orange and there were reports of blasts over Mount Qasioun.
Pro-Assad officials says around 30 missiles were fired at Syria during the attack, and a third were shot down with defence canons.
It claims three civilians were killed in the strikes.
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Theresa May says she had "no alternative"
Theresa May has said she had "no alternative" but to launch the airstrikes.
The Prime Minister defended her decision to launch bombing raids on Syria - sending a message to the world’s tyrants that they will never be allowed to use chemical weapons.
The PM linked the gas attacks by the Assad regime to the use of a nerve agent on the streets of Salisbury as she insisted last night’s airstrikes were in the British national interest.
But Mrs May has sparked a massive political row with Jeremy Corbyn accusing her of acting in a “legally questionable” manner by joining the US and France in the bombing.
Speaking in 10 Downing Street this morning, the Prime Minister said: “This was not about interfering in a civil war and it was not about regime change.
“It was a limited, targeted and effected strike with clear boundaries that fought to avoid escalation and did everything possible to avoid civilian casualties.
Prime Minister Theresa May announces that the UK will join the targeted military actions towards Syria's chemical capability
“This collective action sends a clear message that the international community will not stand by and tolerate the use of chemical weapons.
“We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised - either in Syria, on the streets of the UK, or elsewhere.
“The lesson of history is when the global rules and standards that keep us safe come under attack, we must continue to defend them.”
During a press conference, Mrs May defended her decision to launch strikes without holding a vote in the Commons - but revealed she will make a statement in Parliament on Monday to allow MPs to question her.
The MoD said the bombed facility was located some distance from any known concentrations of civilian habitation.
The statement adds: "Initial indications are that the precision of the Storm Shadow weapons and meticulous target planning have resulted in a successful attack."
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Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "The reprehensible use of chemical weapons in Douma is further evidence of the Syrian regime’s appalling cruelty against its own people.
"We will not stand by whilst innocent civilians, including women and children, are killed and made to suffer.
“The international community has responded decisively with legal and proportionate military force.
"Let these united actions send a clear message to the regime – the use of chemical weapons is categorically unacceptable and you will be held to account.”
President Donald Trump sends a message to Iran and Russia and calls out President Putin for not keeping his promises
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Theresa May said there was 'no practicable alternative to the use of force' after the President announced the retaliation to reports of chemical attacks.
Trump said British and French military forces had joined the response as revenge for what he called ";the crimes of a monster".
He also sent a stern message to Iran and Russia, with some fearing rising tensions could lead to World War 3.
"What kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children," he said.
President Assad's official presidency Twitter account posted footage of him arriving for work this morning.
It was captioned with: ";Morning of steadfastness."
The Syrian Presidency official Twitter account has posted a video which appears to who Assad arriving for work just hours after the US launched its airstrike
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"No nation can succeed by promoting rogue states and dictators."
He added: "Russia must decide whether to continue on this dark path or come back to civilisation."
The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman departs with its strike group towards Syria from
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