Syria: Here's what you need to know about Trump's strike on air base

PHOTO: The Government-controlled Shayrat airbase seen via satellite. (Reuters: US Department of Defence)

It's America's first attack on the Syrian Government and it could complicate its relationship with Russia. Here's what you need to know.

What was the chemical attack?

It took place in the north-western province of Idlib, and caused people to choke or faint, with some victims foaming at the mouth.

"It was a slow and brutal death for so many. Even beautiful babies were cruelly murdered in this very barbaric attack," President Donald Trump said in a televised address following his military strike.

What did America target in response?

US warships in the Mediterranean Sea fired about 60 Tomahawk missiles on the Shayrat air base near Homs in central Syria.

Mr Trump said that's where the chemical attack was launched from.

What's the significance of these strikes?

It's Mr Trump's first major military act since he became President in January, and it represents a huge shift in Washington's attitude towards Syria.

It's important to note that former president Barack Obama had said the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Government was a "red line".

All eyes are now on how Russia responds to the strike in Syria.

What has Russia said?

Taking military action against Syria is complicated for America, because the Syrian regime has been working closely with Russia to combat what it says are rebel forces and Islamic State fighters.

According to reports from Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the US strikes a violation of international law.

Syria a 'hornet's nest'

The Arab Spring offered Syrians hope for political change, but something went horribly wrong, Stan Grant writes. 

Mr Putin's spokesman said in a statement, reported by Russian news agencies, the President believed the strikes were an act of "aggression against a sovereign nation" based on a "made-up pretext".

Will the war escalate from here?

Middle East analyst Rodger Shanahan from the Lowy Institute said the attack shouldn't be seen as a shift in US policy towards Syria.

What had Mr Trump been saying about Syria before now?

Over the past few years, he had repeatedly urged America not to get involved in Syria.

 FollowDonald J. Trump ✔@realDonaldTrump

President Obama, do not attack Syria. There is no upside and tremendous downside. Save your "powder" for another (and more important) day!

10:51 PM - 7 Sep 2013

• 3,996 likes

 FollowDonald J. Trump ✔@realDonaldTrump

We should stay the hell out of Syria, the "rebels" are just as bad as the current regime. WHAT WILL WE GET FOR OUR LIVES AND $ BILLIONS?ZERO

10:03 AM - 16 Jun 2013

• 8,057 likes

 FollowDonald J. Trump ✔@realDonaldTrump

What I am saying is stay out of Syria.

11:30 AM - 4 Sep 2013

• 12,720 likes

But it was this week's horrific chemical attack that changed the President's mind.

Vocabularies:

Faint: adj. 头晕的；虚弱的 vi. 昏倒；

Foaming at the mouth: 口吐白沫；非常气愤

Mediterranean：地中海

Military：n. 军人 adj. 军事的；军人的

Regime：n. 政权，政体；社会制度

Violation：n. 违反；妨碍，侵害；违背

Hornet's nest：骚动，大麻烦

Pretext：n. 借口；托辞 vt. 以…为借口

escalate： vt. 使逐步上升 vi. 逐步增强