Chemical attack row: 14 killed in Syria air base attack

Syrian regime airbase east of the city of Homs was hit by several missiles on Monday morning, killing 14 including Iranian forces or members of Iran-backed groups. 

After Trump said Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay" over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning.

"Several missiles hit the Tayfur airport," state news agency SANA said early on Monday. 

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Pentagon said it was not conducting air strikes in Syria.

"At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria. “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." a Pentagon spokesman said. 

Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday. It said the airfield was targeted with several missiles and that the Syrian air defence was responding and had shot down eight incoming missiles.

Also, the US and French presidents “agreed to exchange information on the nature of the attacks and coordinate a strong, joint response”. Macron has said chemical weapons attacks in Syria would cross a “red line” for France and that French forces would strike if the regime was proven to have been involved. 
However, the French army denied responsibility for Monday’s attack.

As the reported use of chemical weapons was condemned worldwide the Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack. Russia, President Assad's old ally, called the reports "bogus".

Assad's other ally in West Asia, Iran said the reports of gas attack was "not based on facts" and was an  "an excuse" by the United States and Western countries to take military action against Damascus.