Damascus and its ally Moscow furiously condemned an American air strike on a Syrian airbase on Friday that marked the first direct US assault on President Bashar al-Assad’s government.The strike targeted radars, aircraft, air defence systems and other logistical components at the base south of Homs in central Syria.
Russia’s military said the strike had an “extremely low” military impact, with fewer than half of the 59 missiles reaching the airbase. The missiles destroyed six planes under repair and several buildings, including a storage depot and radio station, it said.Syrian state news agency SANA said nine civilians, including four children, were killed in villages near the Syrian air base.
Within hours, the price of gold and oil rose and stock markets plummetted. Reports said investments in safe havens increased after the strikes.Assad's office called the strike “foolish and irresponsible” and Moscow announced a series of retaliatory steps including plans to strengthen Syrian air defences.
