2017 Shayrat missile strike facts for kids
On April 7, 2017, the United States launched missiles at Syria. This event happened during the Syrian civil war. The U.S. fired 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the Mediterranean Sea. Their target was the Shayrat Air Base in Syria.
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered this attack. It was a direct response to a chemical attack. This earlier attack happened on April 4, 2017, in a place called Khan Shaykhun.
This missile strike was important because it was the first time the U.S. military directly attacked the Syrian government during the war. The U.S. had not done this on its own before.
President Trump said the strike was for the safety of the United States. He stated it was important to stop the use of dangerous chemical weapons around the world.
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Understanding the 2017 Syria Missile Strike
This section explains why the United States launched missiles at Syria in 2017. It also describes what happened during the attack.
Why the Strike Happened
The main reason for the missile strike was a chemical attack. This attack happened a few days earlier in Syria. On April 4, 2017, a town called Khan Shaykhun was hit. Many people, including children, were hurt or killed. This was because chemical weapons were used.
The United States believed the Syrian government was responsible for this chemical attack. Using chemical weapons is against international rules. It is seen as a very serious crime.
President Trump decided to act quickly. He wanted to show that using chemical weapons would not be allowed. The missile strike was a warning. It was meant to stop future chemical attacks.
What Happened During the Strike
The missile strike took place early in the morning. Two U.S. Navy ships launched the missiles. These ships were in the Mediterranean Sea. They fired 59 Tomahawk missiles.
The missiles flew a long distance to reach Syria. Their target was the Shayrat Air Base. This base was chosen because the U.S. believed the chemical attack had been launched from there.
The goal of the strike was to damage the air base. This included runways, aircraft, and fuel storage areas. The aim was to make it harder for the Syrian government to use chemical weapons again.
The attack lasted only a short time. After the missiles hit, the U.S. military said their mission was complete. They had sent a clear message to the Syrian government.
Images for kids
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Trump receives a briefing on a military strike on Syria from his National Security team.
See also
In Spanish: Bombardeo de Shayrat para niños
