British fighter jets near Syria ready for attack orders
British fighter jets at an airbase on the island of Cyprus have been put on combat readiness to carry out missions in Syria.
 |
"We have many fighter jets on the runway of Akrotiri air base. We are ready,"Timestoday citing sources from the British government.
The RAF's Akrotiri base is located in Cyprus, in the eastern Mediterranean, not far from Syrian territory. This is where British fighter jets often refuel during airstrikes against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq and Syria.
Previously, the source fromBBCBritish Prime Minister Theresa May has said she is prepared to authorize military action in response to Syria's alleged use of chemical weapons without parliamentary support.
British submarines are said to have been ordered to move into position to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles at military targets in Syria.
|
Akrotiri Air Base (red dot) on the island of Cyprus. Graphics:Iraq News. |
The US is likely to seek to form a military coalition to attack Syria after it was accused of using chemical weapons in Douma, a suburb of the capital Damascus, killing 70 people. France, Britain and allies in the Middle East may join this coalition.
US President Donald Trump tweeted yesterday that "missiles are coming to Syria", but the White House later confirmed that a final decision on Syria had not been made.
Russia and Syria meanwhile warned the US against military adventurism in the Middle Eastern country, saying Washington launching an attack on Damascus could lead to "catastrophic consequences"./.
