U.S. Missile Strikes Hit Syrian Base

*this is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available* – check back often!

President Trump announced Thursday evening that he has ordered missile strikes on multiple Syrian targets in response to the use of chemical weapons on civilians.

The president addressed the media and America to announce that the target of the strikes was a Syrian airfield.

“Tonight I ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched. It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons.”

The president began his address by laying out the reason for the attack.

“Assad choked out the lives of helpless men, women, and children,” Trump said adding, “There can be no dispute that Syria used banned chemical weapons, violated its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and ignored the urging of the UN Security Council.”

Between 8 and 9 pm eastern time, two U.S. Navy Ships launched more than 50 tomahawk cruise missiles aimed at the Shayrat Air Base in Syria.

Two Navy destroyers, the USS Ross and USS Porter, launched the missiles at the airbase located in the Homs province according to reports.

U.S. destroyer USS Ross fires Tomahawk missiles during strikes on a Syrian airfield. More in our live blog: https://t.co/kQoiJKZyUo pic.twitter.com/kWIBhs2mmN

— Reuters Pictures (@reuterspictures) April 7, 2017

GOP senators released a statement praising the president’s decisive move.

“Unlike the previous administration, President Trump confronted a pivotal moment in Syria and took action,” Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and John McCain (R-AZ) said in a joint statement.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), said Trump “has made it clear to Assad and those who empower him that the days of committing war crimes with impunity are over.”

The top democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Adam Schiff appeared on MSNBC and said that he received a call from the Director of National Intelligence about the strike.

“It was I think close to 70 missiles fired from ship [sic] at a single target,” Schiff said.

It is believed that the airfield that was struck was where the chemical weapons attack against civilians originated.

Schiff also stated that he believes this to be the only U.S. attack currently planned.

“It is, I think, at the present not the intention to have more than this single strike, but, of course, the administration is reserving their options depending on whether the regime responds against our troops or takes any other action against the U.S. targets or allies,” Schiff continued.

The president concluded his remarks by saying, “Tonight I call on all civilized nations to join us in seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syrian and also to end terrorism of all kinds and all types. We asked for Gods wisdom as we face the challenge of our very troubled world. We pray for the lives of the wounded and for the souls of those who passed. And we hope as long as America stands for justice and peace and harmony will in the end prevail. Good night and God Bless America and the entire world.”