Alwaght- Syrian air defense systems reportedly intercepted at least eight missiles that targeted an airbase in the western province Homs with reports indicating that several people were reportedly injured and killed.
At least eight missiles were launched at Syria’s T-4 air base in the east of Homs province, according to official Syrian news agency, SANA, reported, citing a military source. According to the agency, the attack has “probably” been carried out by the US.
There are several “martyrs and wounded” as a result of the strike, SANA added, without specifying the number of casualties.
While the US Defense Department is "aware" of reports of an alleged missile strike, it has dismissed the reports of any US involvement.
“At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria,” the Pentagon has said in a statement. “However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable.”
According to Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen broadcaster, the missiles were coming from the Mediterranean Sea, through Lebanese airspace. Meanwhile, Al Masdar News is reporting that “unknown jets” have entered Syrian airspace from Lebanon, and is speculating that the jets could be Israeli. In response, the Syrian Air Defense system at Mezzeh Air Base was activated, the report added.
There was no immediate confirmation on the origin of the objects or whether they were airplanes or missiles. This is also still not clear who's behind the attack.
Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of launching a chemical attack near the capital Damascus, saying there will be a “big price to pay.”
The alleged chemical attack on Saturday in the militant-held town of Douma in the Eastern Ghouta region left dozens dead and drew international condemnation from various countries and international bodies.
Syria, in a statement released late on Saturday, strongly rejected the allegation of using chemical munitions and said that the so-called Jaish al-Islam Takfiri terrorist group, which has dominant presence in Douma, was repeating the accusations “in order to accuse the Syrian Arab army, in a blatant attempt to hinder the Army’s advance.”
Russia had earlier warned that unconfirmed reports of atrocities and false-flag chemical incidents were likely to appear at a time when militant and terrorist factions are losing ground in Syria.
Analysts believe US' Syria policy is encouraging false flag chemical attacks and putting the blame on government forces to create pretext to Washington’s military intervention and thereby prolonging the conflict.
