U.S. missile strike on Shayrat airbase

Preparation
News of the planned strike was published in the media several hours before.
 * Turkey Will Support US Military Op in Syria if Launched - Erdogan - Sputnik, April 6, 2017, 20:26
 * U.S. appears to be on the verge of Syria missile strike - CBS NEWS, April 6, 2017, 8:32 PM
 * Why the Navy's Tomahawk missiles are the most likely option for a strike in Syria against Assad - Dan Lamothe, Washington Post, April 6, 2017 (9:38 PM)
 * Title updated to Why the Navy’s Tomahawk missiles were the weapon of choice in strikes in Syria
 * US warships ready to launch missiles on Syrian Army targets if given the order - Chris Tomson AMN, April 7, 2017 (0:45 AM)
 * ''On Thursday evening, two US Navy battleships were put on high-alert in the eastern Mediterranean Sea as Donald Trump was set to met with military advisors in Florida on Friday in response to a recent chemical massacre in Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib. According to a report, the USS Ross and USS Porter guided-missile destroyers neared the coast of Syria in what appears to be a drastic escalation. In a press conference this evening, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said “steps are underway” on an international coalition to pressure Bashar Assad from power, as President Trump was being briefed on military options for Syria.

Target
Shayrat Airforce Base in south-eastern Homs province


 * Top Iranian pilots visit Shuairat airbase in Homs: source - ZAMAN ALWSL, March 11, 2017
 * '' Russia has also had presence in Shuairat. Last September, Russia has fortified Shuairat military airport with more shields and checkpoints as well has installed surveillance cameras.

Reactions

 * The President must get Congressional approval before attacking Syria-big mistake if he does not!, @realDonaldTrump, August 31, 2013
 * Be prepared, there is a small chance that our horrendous leadership could unknowingly lead us into World War III., @realDonaldTrump, August 31, 2013