Missile attack on Syrian airbase, US blamed

IANS  |  Damascus 

An airbase in Syria's province was hit by "several missiles" in a "likely attack by the US" on Monday, according to

The Tayfur airbase, also known as T4, is located in a strategic position between the cities of and Palmyra, reports

Citing a military source, the state-run (SANA) said the attack had caused an unspecified number of deaths and

It said the airfield was targeted with several missiles. The Syrian air defence had responded and shot down eight incoming missiles, the agency added.

Video footage on in showed aircraft or missiles flying low over the country, apparently heading east towards

However, the has denied the Syrian claims of the airbase attack that comes hours after tweeted "Animal Assad" would have a "big price to pay" for an alleged attack in the city of

"At this time, the is not conducting air strikes in However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in and otherwise, accountable," a statement said early Monday.

On Sunday, Trump said there would be a "big price to pay" after the alleged attack in the rebel-held city of Douma, which the US blamed on Syrian

In a series of tweets, Trump also slammed Russian and Tehran, saying "and are responsible for backing Animal Assad".

It was not clear what retaliatory action Trump has in mind, but the issue is expected to be discussed at a "small group" meeting of the on Monday, led by on his first day as National Security Adviser, administration officials told

Last April, the US launched Tomahawk missiles at a Syrian airbase after and others accused Assad's forces of perpetrating a attack in Khan Sheikhoun that killed 80 people, which the denied.

In Saturday's attack, inside barrel bombs were dropped from helicopters over that killed over 40 civilians.

Images showed people, including children, apparently dead and injured with some kind of spittle or foam in their mouths in makeshift medical centres.

The authenticity of the images could not be immediately confirmed.

--IANS

ksk/vm

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Mon, April 09 2018. 12:12 IST