Syria war: US missiles ‘took out 20% of aircraft’

A US air strike in response to a suspected chemical attack damaged or destroyed 20% of Syria’s operational aircraft, the US has said.
Defence Secretary James Mattis said Syria would be “ill-advised ever again to use chemical weapons”.
Syria has denied a chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun last week that left 89 people dead.
G7 nations are meeting in Italy to discuss policy and how to persuade Russia to abandon its Syrian ally.
The US fired 59 cruise missiles at Syria’s Shayrat airbase last Thursday, following the suspected chemical attack a day before.
Mr Mattis said the “measured response” by the US had “resulted in the damage or destruction of fuel and ammunition sites, air defence capabilities and 20% of Syria’s operational aircraft”.
He added: “The Syrian government has lost the ability to refuel or rearm aircraft at Shayrat airfield and at this point, use of the runway is of idle military interest.”

 

Read More: Syria war: US missiles ‘took out 20% of aircraft’ – BBC News