Federal policy on Syria, 2017-2018

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Note: This page tracked major events and policy positions of the Trump administration and the 115th United States Congress on Syria from 2017 and 2018.

Following the rise of pro-democracy protests across Syria in early 2011, civil war broke out in the country as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's security forces began to violently clash with anti-government activists. Some opponents of Assad armed themselves for self-defense, while others formed rebel brigades with the purpose of seizing control of territory. The ongoing war resulted in more than 500,000 deaths as of April 2018, according to IAmSyria.org, which described itself as "a non-profit media based campaign that seeks to educate the world of the Syrian Conflict."[1][2][3]

The war was further complicated by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group. In April 2013, the jihadist group established headquarters in the city of Raqqa and captured large portions of the country. In October 2017, U.S.-backed forces captured Raqqa and were successful in removing ISIS from power in the region.[1][4][5]

In addition to ISIS, Assad's regime, and anti-Assad rebels, other factions engaged in the conflict were Hezbollah and Kurdish fighters.[1] Russia and Iran supported the Assad regime, while the U.S. backed the Syrian opposition forces. President Donald Trump said that U.S. involvement in the conflict should be more focused on defeating ISIS rather than deposing Assad.[6]

On April 8, 2018, after more than 40 people were killed and hundreds more were sickened by a suspected chemical attack in Douma, Syria, Trump blamed Assad, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the Iranian regime for the attack. On April 13, 2018, Trump, along with France and the United Kingdom, ordered precision strikes against Syria.[7][8][9][10]

On December 19, 2018, Trump announced the withdrawal of all American troops from Syria, ending American military involvement in the country. The administration initially said troops would leave within 30 days, but, on January 6, 2019, National Security Adviser John Bolton said troops would remain in Syria until ISIS was defeated.[11][12]

Click on the timeline below to learn more about each headline.

December 19, 2018: Trump orders withdrawal of troops from Syria

On December 19, 2018, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw 2,000 American troops from Syria, ending the U.S.'s military involvement in the country. The decision prompted Secretary of Defense James Mattis to announce his retirement, effective February 2019.[12]

In a video posted to Twitter, Trump said, "We have won against ISIS. Our boys, our young women, our men - they're all coming back, and they're coming back now."[12]

On January 6, 2019, National Security Adviser John Bolton said that the removal of troops from Syria would be slower than initially expected. Bolton said, "We're going to be discussing the president's decision to withdraw, but to do so from northeast Syria in a way that makes sure that ISIS is defeated and is not able to revive itself and become a threat again, and to make sure that the defense of Israel and our other friends in the region is absolutely assured." The administration initially said troops would leave within 30 days.[11]

May 1, 2018: U.S. and allies launch final operations to defeat ISIS in Syria

On May 1, 2018, the State Department announced that the United States and its allies, including the Syrian Democratic Forces, launched final operations to defeat ISIS in Syria.

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement, "The fighting will be difficult, but we and our partners will prevail. We will defend United States, Coalition, and partner forces if attacked. The days of ISIS controlling territory and terrorizing the people of Syria are coming to an end. We will work with our NATO ally Turkey and our partners Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon to secure their borders from ISIS. We will seek further fair share contributions in forces, material, and resources from regional partners and allies to stabilize liberated territories. As the President said in remarks with President Emmanuel Macron of France, we will ensure that there is a strong and lasting footprint in Syria such that ISIS cannot return and populations liberated from ISIS are not exploited by the Assad regime or its Iranian supporters."[13]

April 13, 2018: Trump orders precision strikes against Syria

On April 13, 2018, President Donald Trump, along with France and the United Kingdom, ordered precision strikes against Syria in response to a suspected chemical weapons attack in Douma, Syria, that left more than 40 dead. More than 100 missiles were fired at three chemical weapons facilities in Syria.[7][8][14]

In a speech from the White House, Trump said that the strikes would continue until Syria decided to end “its use of prohibited chemical agents.” He added that the U.S. did not plan to stay in the region for an extended period of time. He said, “America does not seek an indefinite presence in Syria. It’s a troubled place. We will try to make it better. But it’s a troubled place.”[7][8]

During his speech, Trump criticized Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for allegedly carrying out chemical weapons attacks on his own people. Trump said, "These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster."[7][8]

Trump also criticized Russia for supporting Assad. He said, "Russia must decide if it will continue down this dark path or if it will join with civilized nations as a force for stability and peace.”[7][8]

In a statement, British Prime Minister Theresa May said that she authorized British armed forces to “conduct co-ordinated and targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian Regime’s chemical weapons capability and deter their use. … This is the first time as Prime Minister that I have had to take the decision to commit our armed forces in combat — and it is not a decision I have taken lightly. We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised — within Syria, on the streets of the UK, or anywhere else in our world."[7][8]

After the attack was carried out, Defense Secretary James Mattis said, “Clearly the Assad regime did not get the message last year. This time our allies and we have struck harder. Together we have sent a clear message to Assad and his murderous lieutenants that they should not perpetrate another chemical weapons attack, for which they will be held accountable.”[14]

When asked if the attacks would continue in Syria, Mattis said, “Should he [Assad] decide to use more chemical weapons in the future and of course, the powers that have signed the chemical weapons prohibition have every reason to challenge Assad if should he choose to violate that. But right now this is a one-time shot and I believe that it sent a very strong message to dissuade him to, to deter him from doing this again."[14]

On April 14, 2018, Trump wrote in a tweet, "A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!"[15]

Congressional response

Trump's decision was praised by Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He said, “Chemical attacks against innocent children and civilians are horrific and totally unacceptable. Assad must know his inhumane actions will not be tolerated. President Trump is engaged and led our allies in measured response to hold Assad accountable."[8]

Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, also praised the move, saying, "The attack is part of a trend of Russian supported chemical weapons attacks across the world. The United States and our allies cannot let these attacks stand. I support the President’s decision to undertake this strike together with our allies. Tough questions about the future of our policy in Syria remain, but those questions should not detract from the justness of tonight’s actions."[8]

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said that Trump did not have the authority to authorize the strikes. He said, “President Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes against the Syrian government without Congress’s approval is illegal and – absent a broader strategy – it’s reckless. Assad must face consequences for his war crimes, but Presidents cannot initiate military action when there isn’t an imminent threat to American lives. Today, it’s a strike on Syria – what’s going to stop him from bombing Iran or North Korea next?”[8]

April 11, 2018: Trump tells Russia to expect missile attack in Syria

On April 11, 2018, President Donald Trump warned Russia that an attack on Syria for using chemical weapons on its own people was likely. Trump wrote in a tweet, “Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!' You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Trump was referring to Russia's alliance with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.[16]

The tweet was a response to Vladimir Shamanov's, the chairman of the defense affairs committee in the State Duma, statement that Russia would respond if the U.S. decided to strike Syria. He said, "The politics of double standards have hit rock bottom. And here the United Russia party conscientiously states that all political, diplomatic and military measures if necessary will be taken. No illegal action will remain unanswered."[17]

On April 10, 2018, the U.S., France, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia, prepared to respond to the chemical attack waged by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on April 8, 2018. U.S. and French warships armed with cruise missiles were positioned within firing distance of Syrian targets.[18]

On April 12, 2018, Trump clarified his April 11, 2018, tweet, writing, "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our 'Thank you America?'"[19]

Congress will not vote on authorizing military strikes against Syria

Members of Congress said that they would not vote on authorizing military strikes against Syria. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) said that the Trump administration had the authority to approve limited military strikes on Syria.[20]

Corker said, “I think for a surgical strike, they easily have the authority to do it.”[20]

Shaheen said, “To initiate the kinds of missile strike he did last year? I think he has the authority to do that.”[20]

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) disagreed, saying, “I think colleagues in both parties have shirked their responsibilities for a long time on this. President Trump needs to finally lay out a Syria strategy and come to Congress for approval if he wants to initiate military action. He’s a president, not a king, and Congress needs to quit giving him a blank check to wage war against anyone, anywhere. If he strikes Syria without our approval, what will stop him from bombing North Korea or Iran?”[20]

The 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists (AUMF), passed after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, and the AUMF that authorized the war in Iraq were used by the Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations to launch military strikes against various terrorist organizations.[20]

Corker and Kaine said that they would release a new AUMF. Corker said that the law would make sure that “the administration has the freedoms that are necessary to be successful but at the same time to ensure that Congress has an ongoing role.”[20]

April 10, 2018: Haley criticizes Russia for vetoing U.N. resolution to investigate chemical attacks

On April 10, 2018, Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for the creation of a group to investigate the April 8, 2018, chemical attacks in Syria.[21]

Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, condemned Russia, saying, "The record will not be kind to one permanent member of this council. Unfortunately, Russia has chosen the Assad regime again over the unity of this council. We have said it before that Russia will stop at nothing to shield the Assad regime."[21]

Russia said that its investigators found that chemical weapons were not used, which contradicted the findings of the White Helmets, a Syrian aid group.[21]

April 8, 2018: Trump administration considering response to chemical attack in Syria

On April 8, 2018, more than 40 people were killed and hundreds more were sickened by a suspected chemical attack in Douma, Syria. The White Helmets, a Syrian aid group, accused the Syrian government of carrying out the attack. According to The Wall Street Journal, “Entire families were found dead, huddled in apartment buildings and basements, apparently unable to escape the gas, the White Helmets said. Dozens of victims, including children, were brought to hospitals with symptoms of poisoning by a combination of chlorine and nerve agents, doctors said.” Before the attack, the city’s largest hospital was the target of a conventional weapons attack, which made it difficult for doctors to treat the victims.[9][10][22]

President Donald Trump blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and the Iranian regime for the attack in a series of tweets. Trump wrote, “Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay. Open area immediately for medical help and verification. Another humanitarian disaster for no reason whatsoever. SICK! If President Obama had crossed his stated Red Line In The Sand, the Syrian disaster would have ended long ago! Animal Assad would have been history!” The red line Trump referred to was one set by President Barack Obama in 2012 when he said that Syria using chemical weapons would cross a red line. After Syria used chemical weapons against its own people, Obama chose to make a deal with Syria to give up its chemical weapons instead of taking military action.[23] Syria and Russia denied involvement with the attack.[9]

Members of Congress called on the Trump administration and world leaders to respond to the attack. Their statements appear below.

  • Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said, “Clearly there needs to be a response, it needs to be an international response.”[10]
  • Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said, “President Trump can reset the table here. To me, I would destroy Assad's air force. I would create safe zones in Syria where people can come back to their country from the surrounding area and live a better life. Train up Syrians to take on Assad so we can negotiate in Geneva from a position of strength.”[10]
  • House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement, "If confirmed, another chemical weapons attack by Bashar al-Assad’s regime against its own people would be a war crime of staggering inhumanity. The murder of innocent children violates every standard of morality and our common humanity. The international community must respond to this atrocity with strength and unity, and a thorough investigation. Putin must be held accountable for his cynical support of Assad, and for enabling these war crimes. Members of Congress expect a comprehensive intelligence briefing on this attack as soon as possible. The Trump Administration must finally provide a smart, strong and consistent strategy in Syria."[24]
  • Sen. John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called on Trump to keep U.S. troops in Syria. He said in a statement, "President Trump last week signaled to the world that the United States would prematurely withdraw from Syria. Bashar Assad and his Russian and Iranian backers have heard him, and emboldened by American inaction, Assad has reportedly launched another chemical attack against innocent men, women and children, this time in Douma. ... Crimes against humanity have become Assad’s trademarks in his relentless campaign against the people of Syria that has killed more than half a million people and forced 11 million from their homes. President Trump was quick to call out Assad today, along with the Russian and Iranian governments, on Twitter. The question now is whether he will do anything about it. The President responded decisively when Assad used chemical weapons last year. He should do so again, and demonstrate that Assad will pay a price for his war crimes."[25]

During a Cabinet meeting on April 9, 2018, Trump said that senior military officials were considering a response to the attack. He said, “I’d like to begin by condemning the heinous attack on innocent Syrians with banned chemical weapons. It was an atrocious attack. ... We are studying that situation extremely closely. We are meeting with our military and everybody else, and we’ll be making some major decisions over the next 24 to 48 hours. We are very concerned when a thing like that can happen. This is about humanity. We’re talking about humanity. And it can’t be allowed to happen. So we’ll be looking at that barbaric act and studying what’s going on. We’re trying to get people in there. As you know, it’s been surrounded. So it’s very hard to get people in because not only has it been hit, it’s been surrounded. And if they’re innocent, why aren’t they allowing people to go in and prove? Because as you know, they’re claiming they didn’t make the attack. So if it’s Russia, if it’s Syria, if it’s Iran, if it’s all of them together, we’ll figure it out and we’ll know the answers quite soon.”[26]

According to The Wall Street Journal, "Chemical attacks are a violation of international humanitarian law and the Convention on Chemical Weapons, which the Syrian regime joined in the wake of a 2013 sarin gas attack on Eastern Ghouta, which killed more than 1,400 people. In addition to joining the convention, the Assad government agreed at the time to relinquish its chemical arsenal as part of a deal to avert U.S. military strikes."[9]

Investigators find chlorine gas and nerve agent in samples from attack

On April 12, 2018, U.S. officials said that they obtained blood and urine samples from the checmical attack in Syria that tested positive for chlorine gas and an unidetified nerve agent.[27]

April 4, 2018: Trump agrees to keep U.S. troops in Syria

On April 4, 2018, after consulting U.S. military commanders, President Donald Trump agreed to keep U.S. troops in Syria until the complete defeat of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror group. He said he expected the operation to defeat ISIS to end in months, not years.[28]

One day earlier, on April 3, 2018, Trump said that he wanted to bring members of the military serving in Syria home. He said, “I want to get out. I want to bring our troops back home. I want to start rebuilding our nation. … Seven trillion dollars in the Middle East over the last 17 years, we get nothing out of it … except death and destruction. It’s a horrible thing.”[29][30]

During a news conference, he said one of the reasons he wanted to leave the region was the success the U.S. and its allies had fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror group. He also said that he would consider keeping some U.S. troops there if other countries in the region paid for the extended military presence. Trump said, "Saudi Arabia is very interested in our decision. I said, 'Well, you want us to stay, maybe you are going to have to pay.’ It's very costly for our country and it helps other countries a hell of a lot more than it helps us."[29][30]

On the same day, while speaking at the U.S. Institute of Peace, Gen. Joseph Votel, the commander of U.S. Central Command, advised against leaving the region. He said that although U.S. troops, Iraqi Security Forces, and Syrian opposition groups were able to liberate 90 percent of land once held by ISIS, “[t]here still are some areas where they are present and that we will have to continue to operate on.”[31]

Brett McGurk, the State Department's special envoy to the global coalition to defeat ISIS, agreed with Votel, saying, “ISIS is not finished. We are in Syria to fight ISIS. That is our mission and our mission isn’t over, and we’re going to complete that mission.”[31]

On April 4, 2018, the White House released the following statement on Syria: “The military mission to eradicate ISIS in Syria is coming to a rapid end, with ISIS being almost completely destroyed. The United States and our partners remain committed to eliminating the small ISIS presence in Syria that our forces have not already eradicated. We will continue to consult with our allies and friends regarding future plans. We expect countries in the region and beyond, plus the United Nations, to work toward peace and ensure that ISIS never re-emerges.”[32]

As of April 2018, there were about 2,000 U.S. service members in Syria working on advising and assisting local forces fighting ISIS.[30]

October 17, 2017: U.S.-backed forces capture Raqqa, the Islamic State's last stronghold in the Middle East

On October 17, 2017, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the U.S., said that they captured the Islamic State’s (IS) de facto capital of Raqqa. The SDF, who were backed by U.S. airstrikes and U.S. special forces on the ground, “said they had secured a sports stadium in the city the group had converted into a fortified compound for its final stand,” according to The Wall Street Journal.[33]

Talal Silo, a spokesman for the SDF, said, “The military operations within the city are completely over. We are combing through the city to make sure there are no sleeper cells and to defuse the mines.”[33]

Army Col. Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition fighting IS, said that 90 percent of Raqqa was cleared.[33]

Trump released a statement praising the SDF and U.S. armed forces for driving ISIS out of Raqqa. Part of it appears below.

“ The defeat of ISIS in Raqqah represents a critical breakthrough in our worldwide campaign to defeat ISIS and its wicked ideology. With the liberation of ISIS’s capital and the vast majority of its territory, the end of the ISIS caliphate is in sight.

We will soon transition into a new phase in which we will support local security forces, de-escalate violence across Syria, and advance the conditions for lasting peace, so that the terrorists cannot return to threaten our collective security again. Together, with our allies and partners, we will support diplomatic negotiations that end the violence, allow refugees to return safely home, and yield a political transition that honors the will of the Syrian people.

One of my core campaign promises to the American people was to defeat ISIS and to counter the spread of hateful ideology. That is why, in the first days of my Administration, I issued orders to give our commanders and troops on the ground the full authorities to achieve this mission. As a result, ISIS strongholds in Mosul and Raqqah have fallen. We have made, alongside our coalition partners, more progress against these evil terrorists in the past several months than in the past several years.

I commend all of our coalition partners for the sacrifices they have made in this noble effort. Therefore, as we recognize this military accomplishment, we also pause to honor our service men and women and all they have given to protect us and all civilized people from these modern day barbarians.

Today, we reaffirm that ISIS leaders, and anyone who supports them, must and will face justice.[34]

”
—President Donald Trump[35]

September 19, 2017: In U.N. speech, Trump discusses Middle East coalition to stop terrorism

On September 19, 2017, in his first speech to the United Nations, Trump spoke about a Middle East coalition to stop terrorism and changing the military rules of engagement to combat terrorism in Afghanistan and Syria. His remarks appear below.

“ In Saudi Arabia early last year, I was greatly honored to address the leaders of more than 50 Arab and Muslim nations. We agreed that all responsible nations must work together to confront terrorists and the Islamist extremism that inspires them.

We will stop radical Islamic terrorism because we cannot allow it to tear up our nation, and indeed to tear up the entire world.

We must deny the terrorists safe haven, transit, funding, and any form of support for their vile and sinister ideology. We must drive them out of our nations. It is time to expose and hold responsible those countries who support and finance terror groups like al Qaeda, Hezbollah, the Taliban and others that slaughter innocent people.

The United States and our allies are working together throughout the Middle East to crush the loser terrorists and stop the reemergence of safe havens they use to launch attacks on all of our people.

Last month, I announced a new strategy for victory in the fight against this evil in Afghanistan. From now on, our security interests will dictate the length and scope of military operations, not arbitrary benchmarks and timetables set up by politicians.

I have also totally changed the rules of engagement in our fight against the Taliban and other terrorist groups. In Syria and Iraq, we have made big gains toward lasting defeat of ISIS. In fact, our country has achieved more against ISIS in the last eight months than it has in many, many years combined.[34]

”
—President Donald Trump[36]

July 19, 2017: Program to train and arm moderate Syrian rebels ends

On July 19, 2017, The Washington Post reported that President Donald Trump had decided to end a CIA program to arm and train moderate Syrian rebels fighting against the Assad regime. The Obama administration started the covert program in 2013. "U.S. officials said the decision had the backing of Jordan, where some of the rebels were trained, and appeared to be part of a larger Trump administration strategy to focus on negotiating limited cease-fire deals with the Russians," according to The Washington Post.[37]

July 7, 2017: South Syria truce announced

A ceasefire brokered by the United States and Russia in southwestern Syria was announced on July 7, 2017. Under the truce, de-escalation zones would be created in the region, while the U.S. and Jordan worked with Syrian rebels and Russia with the Assad regime to curb conflict.[38]

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson confirmed that the U.S. opposed the Assad regime retaining control in the future. "Yes, our position continues to be that we see no long-term role for the Assad family or the Assad regime. And we have made this clear to everyone—we've certainly made it clear in our discussions with Russia -- that we do not think Syria can achieve international recognition in the future. Even if they work through a successful political process, the international community simply is not going to accept a Syria led by the Assad regime," he said.[39]

July 3, 2017: American-backed forces breach wall in effort to take back Raqqa from ISIS

On July 3, 2017, American-backed Syrian Democratic Forces breached a strategic wall surrounding the Old City of Raqqa, Syria, in the fight to retake the city from ISIS. Brett McGurk‏, special presidential envoy for the global coalition to defeat ISIS, called it a “key milestone in [the] campaign to liberate the city.” Raqqa had served as the capital of ISIS’ self-declared caliphate in Syria.[40][41]

June 26, 2017: White House warns Assad that there will be consequences for using chemical weapons

On June 26, 2017, the White House released a statement suggesting action would be taken against the Assad regime's military if it used chemical weapons against civilians. The statement read:

“ The United States has identified potential preparations for another chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime that would likely result in the mass murder of civilians, including innocent children. The activities are similar to preparations the regime made before its April 4, 2017 chemical weapons attack.

As we have previously stated, the United States is in Syria to eliminate the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. If, however, Mr. Assad conducts another mass murder attack using chemical weapons, he and his military will pay a heavy price.[34]

”
—White House, Office of the Press Secretary[42]

Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley also tweeted a warning on the same day, writing, "Any further attacks done to the people of Syria will be blamed on Assad, but also on Russia & Iran who support him killing his own people."[43]

June 18, 2017: F/A-18E Super Hornet shoots down Syrian SU-22 jet

On June 18, 2017, a U.S. F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft shot down a Syrian SU-22 military jet aircraft after the Syrian jet dropped bombs near the American-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighters south of Tabqah, Syria. The SU-22 was shot down “in accordance with rules of engagement and in collective self-defense of coalition partnered forces...The coalition presence in Syria addresses the imminent threat ISIS in Syria poses globally. The demonstrated hostile intent and actions of pro-regime forces toward coalition and partner forces in Syria conducting legitimate counter-ISIS operations will not be tolerated,” according to a statement from the Department of Defense.[44]

It was the first time in Syria’s civil war that a U.S. pilot shot down a plane from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Additionally, it “is believed to be the first time a manned American jet has shot down another once since 1999, when an American pilot shot down a Serbian jet over Bosnia,” according to The Wall Street Journal.[45]

Syrian state media responded by calling the U.S. attack a “flagrant aggression" and said that the Syrian pilot was carrying out a mission against IS.[45]

June 6, 2017: U.S. troops enter fight to help SDF retake Raqqa from ISIS

On June 6, 2017, members of the U.S. military entered a campaign to help Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recapture the city of Raqqa from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Department of Defense spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said, “We have there assisting in this battle Marine M777 Howitzers, which are providing a significant enabling capability to our Special Operations Forces and partners on the ground. The Marines are providing the artillery support, supplement close air support ... and they provide a mobile line called all weather fire support capability.”[46]

Lt. Gen. Steve Townsend, commanding general of the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, said the battle “will be long and difficult but would deliver a decisive blow to the idea of ISIS as a physical caliphate. … We all saw the heinous attack in Manchester, England. ISIS threatens all of our nations, not just Iraq and Syria, but in our own homelands as well. This cannot stand.”[46]

May 9, 2017: Trump approves plan to arm Kurds

On May 9, 2017, the Pentagon confirmed that President Donald Trump had approved a plan to arm the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). A spokesperson from the Pentagon described the SDF as "the only force on the ground that can successfully seize Raqqa in the near future." According to The Washington Post, "authorized weaponry would include small arms, ammunition, heavy machine guns, and equipment to counter vehicle-borne bombs, a tool frequently used by the Islamic State," although no timeline had been set.[47]

April 24, 2017: Syrian government employees sanctioned

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced on April 24, 2017, that the Trump administration was imposing sanctions against 271 employees of the Scientific Studies and Research Center, a Syrian government agency believed to be responsible for producing chemical weapons. "The United States is sending a strong message with this action that we will not tolerate the use of chemical weapons by any actor, and we intend to hold the Assad regime accountable for its unacceptable behavior," Mnuchin said. The sanctions included freezing assets and barring financial transactions with U.S. persons and businesses.[48][49]

April 6, 2017: Trump authorizes cruise missile strike against Syrian airfield

Map of Syria

On April 6, 2017, President Donald Trump authorized 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles be launched at an airfield in western Syria—from where the chemical attack on civilians in Khan Shaykhun originated—targeting fighter jets, military equipment, and storage facilities there. “Tonight, I ordered a targeted military strike on the air base in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched. It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons,” Trump said during a press conference from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.[50]

Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said, “The strike was a proportional response to Assad's heinous act. … The strike was intended to deter the regime from using chemical weapons again.”[51]

The Russian government condemned the U.S. strike. A spokesman from the Kremlin said, “President Putin considers the American strikes against Syria an aggression against a sovereign government in violations of the norms of international law, and under a far-fetched pretext.” He continued, “This step by Washington is causing significant damage to Russian-American relations, which are already in a deplorable state.”[52]

Tactical outcome of strike

Capt. Jeff Davis, a spokesman for the Pentagon, said, "Initial indications are that this strike has severely damaged or destroyed Syrian aircraft and support infrastructure and equipment.” He added that the strike “targeted aircraft, hardened aircraft shelters, petroleum and logistical storage, ammunition supply bunkers, air defense systems, and radars.”[53] CNN reported on April 8, 2017, that although 20 planes were destroyed at the airfield, Syrian flight operations had resumed there.[54]

In a statement released on April 10, 2017, Secretary of Defense James Mattis said that “the strike resulted in the damage or destruction of fuel and ammunition sites, air defense capabilities, and 20 percent of Syria's operational aircraft. The Syrian government has lost the ability to refuel or rearm aircraft at Shayrat airfield and at this point, use of the runway is of idle military interest."[55]

Political outcome of strike

Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said on April 9, 2017, that Trump would take more action against Syria if necessary. Haley added that the Trump administration did not see a future for Assad as the leader of Syria. “Well, regime change is something that we think is going to happen, because all of the parties are going to see that Assad is not the leader that needs to be taking place for Syria. So, what I think you're seeing is, this isn't about policy or not. This is about thoughts. And so, when you look at the thoughts, there is no political solution that any of us can see with Assad at the lead,” she said.[56]

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson indicated, however, that defeating the Islamic State was the Trump administration’s top priority over regime change. “And once the ISIS threat has been reduced or eliminated, I think we can turn our attention directly to stabilizing the situation in Syria. We’re hopeful that we can prevent a continuation of the civil war and that we can bring the parties to the table to begin the process of political discussions,” he said in an interview on April 9, 2017, with CBS anchor John Dickerson.[57]

April 4, 2017: Initial response to chemical attack in Syria

On April 4, 2017, hundreds of Syrian civilians were injured or killed in a chemical attack in the rebel-held area of Khan Shaykhun.[58] Trump attributed the attack to the al-Assad regime, saying in a statement, "These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administration’s weakness and irresolution. President Obama said in 2012 that he would establish a 'red line' against the use of chemical weapons and then did nothing. The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this intolerable attack."[59]

During a joint press conference with Jordanian King Abdullah II the following day, Trump again condemned the attacks. "These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated," he said. When asked about his mention of the Obama administration in his first statement, Trump said, "I now have responsibility, and I will have that responsibility and carry it very proudly."[60]

Trump declined to say how the U.S. would respond. "I'm not saying I'm doing anything one way or another, but I'm certainly not going to be telling you," he told reporters.[61]

Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (UN), criticized Russia for supporting the Assad regime. She then suggested the U.S. could act in Syria independent of the UN. "When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action. For the sake of the victims, I hope the rest of the council is finally willing to do the same," she said.[62]

March 9, 2017: Trump administration announces troop increase in Syria

On March 9, 2017, The New York Times reported that the United States was nearly doubling the number of troops in Syria. An additional 400 soldiers were being sent to Syria, including a team of Army Rangers and a Marine artillery unit. “We are preparing logistical and fire support to enable a successful assault on Raqqa, the self-proclaimed capital of ISIS,” said Col. John L. Dorrian, a military spokesman.[63]

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 BBC, "Syria: The story of the conflict," March 11, 2016
  2. ↑ IAmSyria.org, "Death Tolls," accessed April 10, 2018
  3. ↑ IAmSyria.org, "Mission Statement," accessed April 10, 2018
  4. ↑ CNN, "Syrian Civil War Fast Facts," December 15, 2016
  5. ↑ BBC, "Islamic State and the crisis in Iraq and Syria in maps," November 30, 2016
  6. ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Donald Trump, in Exclusive Interview, Tells WSJ He Is Willing to Keep Parts of Obama Health Law," November 11, 2016
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 The Hill, "Trump authorizes military strikes in Syria," April 13, 2018
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 Politico, "Trump announces 'precision strikes' on Syria, decries 'monster' Assad," April 13, 2018
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 The Wall Street Journal, "Dozens Killed in Alleged Chemical-Weapons Attack in Syria," April 8, 2018
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 The Hill, "Trump sends mixed signals on Syria amid calls for action," April 8, 2018
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 NPR.org, "Trump Administration Walks Back Timeline For U.S. Troops Leaving Syria," January 7, 2019
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 The New York Times, "Trump Withdraws U.S. Forces From Syria, Declaring ‘We Have Won Against ISIS,'" December 19, 2018
  13. ↑ State.gov, "Launching of Operations To Liberate Final ISIS Strongholds in Syria," May 1, 2018
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 The Hill, "US targets Syrian chemical weapons facilities with strikes," April 14, 2018
  15. ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," April 14, 2018
  16. ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," April 11, 2018
  17. ↑ The Hill, "Russian lawmaker warns that Moscow could respond to potential US strike in Syria," April 10, 2018
  18. ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "U.S. Presses Allies to Back a Military Strike on Syria," April 10, 2018
  19. ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," April 12, 2018
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 The Wall Street Journal, "Lawmakers Sidestep Debate Over Syria Military Strikes," April 11, 2018
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 The Hill, "Russia vetoes new panel to probe Syrian chemical weapons use," April 10, 2018
  22. ↑ BBC, "Syria war: What we know about Douma 'chemical attack,'" April 10, 2018
  23. ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," April 8, 2018
  24. ↑ Pelosi.House.gov, "Pelosi Statement on Reported Chemical Weapons Attack in Syria," April 9, 2018
  25. ↑ McCain.Senate.gov, "Statement By SASC Chairman John Mccain On Chemical Attack In Syria," April 8, 2018
  26. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Remarks by President Trump at Cabinet Meeting," April 9, 2018
  27. ↑ The Hill, "US found chlorine gas, nerve agent in samples from Syria attack: report," April 12, 2018
  28. ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Tells Military Commanders to Finish ISIS Fight in Syria Quickly," April 4, 2018
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 The Hill, "Trump signals he wants US troops out of Syria," April 3, 2018
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Vows Quick Exit From Syria," April 3, 2018
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 The Hill, "Top military, State Department officials: Mission in Syria isn't over," April 3, 2018
  32. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Statement by the Press Secretary on Syria," April 4, 2018
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 The Wall Street Journal, "U.S.-Backed Forces Say They Have Taken Raqqa, Islamic State’s Last Urban Stronghold," October 17, 2017
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  35. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Statement by President Donald J. Trump on the Defeat of ISIS in Raqqah," October 21, 2017
  36. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Remarks by President Trump to the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly," September 19, 2017
  37. ↑ The Washington Post, "Trump ends covert CIA program to arm anti-Assad rebels in Syria, a move sought by Moscow," July 19, 2017
  38. ↑ The Washington Post, "A new Syrian ceasefire offers an early test of Trump’s friendship with Putin," July 9, 2017
  39. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Press Briefing on the President's Meetings at the G20," July 7, 2017
  40. ↑ Twitter, "Brett McGurk," July 3, 2017
  41. ↑ Defense.gov, "OIR Officials: Syrian Democratic Forces Breach Raqqa Old City," July 4, 2017
  42. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Statement from the Press Secretary," June 26, 2017
  43. ↑ NBC News, "White House Warns Syria Against Chemical Attack ‘Preparations,'" June 27, 2017
  44. ↑ Defense.gov, "Counter-ISIS Strikes Continue; U.S. Super Hornet Downs Syrian Jet," June 19, 2017
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 The Wall Street Journal, "U.S. Says It Shot Down Syrian Aircraft," June 18, 2017
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 The Hill, "Pentagon: 'Hundreds' of US troops in fight for Raqqa," June 6, 2017
  47. ↑ The Washington Post, "In blow to U.S.-Turkey ties, Trump administration approves plan to arm Syrian Kurds against Islamic State," May 9, 2017
  48. ↑ The New York Times, "U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Syrian Government Workers After Sarin Attack," April 24, 2017
  49. ↑ ABC News, "US sanctions Syria for chemical weapons attack," April 24, 2017
  50. ↑ The New York Times, "Dozens of U.S. Missiles Hit Air Base in Syria," April 6, 2017
  51. ↑ The Hill, "Pentagon: US strike in Syria a 'proportional response.'" April 6, 2017
  52. ↑ The Washington Post, "Russia condemns U.S. missile strike on Syria, suspends key air agreement," April 7, 2017
  53. ↑ CNN, "Satellite images show before, after US strikes on Syrian base," April 8, 2017
  54. ↑ CNN, "Syria strikes: Site of chemical attack hit again," April 8, 2017
  55. ↑ Washington Examiner, "Mattis: Syria 'ill-advised' to use chemical weapons ever again," April 10, 2017
  56. ↑ CNN, "State of the Union Transcript," April 9, 2017
  57. ↑ U.S. Department of State, "Interview With John Dickerson of CBS Face the Nation," April 9, 2017
  58. ↑ Reuters, "U.S. dismisses Russian assertion rebels to blame for Syria gas attack," April 5, 2017
  59. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Statement from President Donald J. Trump," April 4, 2017
  60. ↑ CNN, "Trump: 'I now have responsibility' when it comes to Syria," April 6, 2017
  61. ↑ ABC News, "Trump condemns Syria attack but won't telegraph US response," April 5, 2017
  62. ↑ CNN, "Haley threatens 'our own action' in Syria if UN doesn't act," April 5, 2017
  63. ↑ The New York Times, "U.S. Is Sending 400 More Troops to Syria," March 9, 2017
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